\u201cSky is confident the agreement reflects the value of this content to New Zealand audiences and to its business, continuing its disciplined, data-informed approach to content investment,\u201d publicly listed Sky said in an NZX statement.<\/p>\n
The agreement was conditional on shareholder approval at its annual shareholder meeting in November.<\/p>\n
The new seven-year deal will take effect from the end of next season – it runs from 2028 to 2034.<\/p>\n
Moloney told Media Insider that as well as all matches screening on Sky, the new deal would see a weekly NRL match, the State of Origin series and women\u2019s NRL matches screen live-delayed (live kickoff, with advertising) on its free-to-air platform Three (TV3).<\/p>\n
Sky\u2019s deal is part of the record new broadcasting package across Australia and New Zealand, with Foxtel and Nine sharing the rights across the Tasman.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been incredibly intense, working long, long hours with my team. You can appreciate that while we\u2019re an important partner, we\u2019re a smaller partner in the overall scheme of things,\u201d Moloney said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralia\u2019s obviously a very big market, and a very important market for the Australian Rugby League Commission. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been working many hours to get here, but absolutely thrilled that we have.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the $A5.3b ($6.46b) deal is a record sum for broadcasting sports rights in Australia – eclipsing AFL (Australian Rules) – that\u2019s not the same scenario in New Zealand. <\/p>\n
Here, Sky pays about $85m a year for All Blacks and top rugby rights – some $24m more a year than the new NRL deal. That rugby deal runs until the end of 2030.<\/p>\n
Warriors star Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira celebrates another try. Photo \/ Photosport <\/p>\n
The league deal is a blow for TVNZ and its fledgling TVNZ+ subscription service, with Sky wrapping up rights to one of the hottest season-long tickets in town. <\/p>\n
Sky also has long-term deals with rugby, cricket and overseas sports such as golf, Formula One and English Premier League football.<\/p>\n
TVNZ has been enjoying ratings success with the Football World Cup. It also has NPC rugby rights, UFC and America\u2019s Cup, but has been keen to land a season-long sport to help keep sports subscribers engaged and paying over a longer period.<\/p>\n
\u2018Very attractive\u2019 factors<\/p>\n
Sky\u2019s new rugby league deal covers NRL, NRLW, and State of Origin matches.<\/p>\n
Moloney told Media Insider that the length of the deal – seven years – and its exclusivity were \u201cvery attractive\u201d factors in Sky\u2019s decision-making.<\/p>\n
She said Sky had been \u201csuper disciplined\u201d in its approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur board are very clear that we\u2019re here to drive great margin and ensure we can deliver for shareholders … we\u2019ve remained steadfast in that with this approach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moloney said having Three and ThreeNow – Sky acquired the free-to-air channel and streaming platform from Warner Bros Discovery last year – was a \u201cgame-changer\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you think about the audiences on Three Now – they\u2019re very young, diverse, female-skewing. It\u2019s a huge growth opportunity. So the combination of that alongside what we can deliver with Sky Sport was compelling.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new Sky deal will include free-to-air State of Origin matches. Photo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
On the potential of a 20th NRL team – and a possible second New Zealand team by 2030, Moloney said: \u201cWe think a 20th team could be of interest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat said, with the Warriors performing as they are and the fandom around that, that certainly wasn\u2019t determinative for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an official statement to the NZX, Moloney said she was \u201cdelighted\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe passion New Zealanders have for rugby league continues to grow, driven by a world-class competition and the incredible support behind the Warriors.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said Sky and the NRL had enjoyed a strong partnership for more than three decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent years, we\u2019ve built on that foundation by working together to grow the game, inspire the next generation of players and fans, and help rugby league continue to thrive. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis new agreement gives us the opportunity to carry that momentum forward as we continue to bring this exciting coverage to Sky and Three audiences for years to come.\u201d <\/p>\n
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V\u2019landys said: \u201cWe are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Sky, who have been excellent partners in growing rugby league in New Zealand and bringing its biggest moments into the homes of millions of New Zealanders.\u201d <\/p>\n
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said: \u201cRugby league is thriving in New Zealand and Sky has played an important role in that growth. This partnership ensures fans can continue to enjoy premium coverage while helping us reach new audiences and grow the game even further.\u201d <\/p>\n
What does this mean for Sky customers?<\/p>\n