New Zealand Cricket Announces New Broadcast Deal After Declaring ‘Live Streaming Is The Future’

New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) new six-year domestic broadcast agreement with sports streaming service, Spark Sport, has future-proofed the whole of cricket in New Zealand, according to chief executive, David White.

Spark Sport has secured the domestic rights to all of New Zealand Cricket’s (NZC) men’s and women’s home internationals for six years starting from April 2020.

The landmark deal will see all Blackcaps and White Ferns fixtures played in New Zealand, as well as all men’s and women’s Super Smash games and the Ford Trophy one-day final, broadcast live on Spark’s streaming platform.

NZC’s latest domestic broadcast agreement also includes some live cricket on free-to-air, with Television New Zealand (TVNZ) picking up rights to the first T20 international of each men’s and women’s series, as well as Super Smash matches.

“This is a deal which future-proofs the whole of cricket in New Zealand,” NZC chief executive, David White, said.

“Live streaming is the future.

“It allows viewers to free themselves from fixed linear schedules to watch live, delayed, highlighted or clipped content when and where they choose, and on a wide range of devices.

“Together with the free-to-air component provided by TVNZ, this accord means more cricket games than ever before will be broadcast live.

“It’s timely that we make this move now, at a time when more New Zealanders than ever – and especially young Kiwis, consume their sports content through digital devices.”

Spark Sport will also house a range of non-live content, including educational and coaching pieces, review shows and highlights, which will be available on a free-to-view and paid basis.

Spark chief executive, Jolie Hodson, said: “Cricket is an iconic sport that has continued to innovate.

“So we’re excited to announce this new partnership with New Zealand Cricket, one that cements our place as a significant player in New Zealand’s sports viewing landscape.”

The deal with Spark will end NZC’s longstanding broadcast partnership with pay-TV operator Sky NZ, which has held the rights to New Zealand’s home fixtures since 1995.