Sky New Zealand, the country's leading pay-TV operator, has renewed its exclusive broadcasting rights for Australian soccer's top-flight men’s and women’s A-Leagues competitions. This renewal comes ahead of the addition of a second New Zealand team to the A-League Men in 2024-25 and Women in the following season.
The three-year deal was agreed upon with the sport’s Australian Professional Leagues (APL) governing body. It will see matches from both competitions broadcast via Sky NZ linear channels or through Sky Sport Now and Sky Go streaming services.
This agreement will primarily focus on two New Zealand-based franchises: Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC, an upcoming expansion team. All games featuring a New Zealand team will be covered via live broadcast.
Free-to-air channel coverage
In addition to paid coverage, one match per gameweek will be showcased on Sky Open, the broadcaster's free-to-air channel. This move is set to increase accessibility for fans who may not subscribe to pay-TV services.
A-League commissioner, Nick Garcia, said:
“New Zealand is really important for our continued growth, and it’s set to be a landmark year for New Zealand football following Wellington Phoenix’s standout season and the introduction of a new team, Auckland FC, into the A-League Men.
“Sky Sport is a world-class partner, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership and deliver more A-Leagues action – with one match broadcast free-to-air each week – to entertain New Zealand’s passionate soccer community and support our ambition to grow the game across the country.”
History of broadcasting rights
Sky NZ has held broadcasting rights for these leagues since their inaugural season back in 2005. The most recent renewal was a three-year deal agreed upon in 2021 that runs until the end of 2023-24 season.
The upcoming seasons are scheduled as follows, the 2024-25 A-League Men season begins on October 18th and runs through May 31st, 2025 and the A-League Women season takes place from November 1st through May 17th, 2025.
This renewal of broadcasting rights and the expansion of teams in New Zealand is a significant development for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. It not only ensures continued access to top-flight soccer but also promises exciting new opportunities with the addition of Auckland FC to the mix.
