Television New Zealand (TVNZ) has partnered with pay-TV broadcaster Sky New Zealand to allow commercial venues across the country to air the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 international soccer tournament. This move marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting in New Zealand.
Under this agreement, Sky Sport Venue customers, including bars, restaurants, hotels, and motels across New Zealand can purchase a Sky Venue Pass. This pass will grant them access to a pop-up FIFA World Cup 2026 channel that will broadcast all 104 games during the tournament.
TVNZ chief executive, Jodi O’Donnell, said:
“Launching a pay product means TVNZ can competitively bid for and acquire more sports and serve it to audiences in the ways they want to watch it – whether it’s every moment live, or free-to-air on our channels.”
TVNZ secured rights in August 2025 to show all games of the tournament, replacing Sky NZ as the primary rights holder from the previous edition in 2022. The deal also includes matches involving New Zealand's national team (All Whites) leading up to the tournament.
Limited free-to-air games
In its broadcast plans for the tournament, TVNZ will only show 11 of the total games free-to-air. These include matches featuring All Whites. However, fans who wish to watch all matches can do so by purchasing an event pass on TVNZ's newly launched streaming service - TVNZ+.
This is a landmark move as it marks TVNZ's first attempt at charging fees for access to its content. The upcoming World Cup is set across three countries - US, Canada and Mexico - with an extended list of participating teams totaling up to 48 teams including All Whites.
Additionally, TVNZ’s rights package includes Free-To-Air (FTA) coverage of both Under-17 and Under-20 men’s and women’s World Cups scheduled this year and in 2026 respectively.
Pay-TV offerings
While maintaining its original FTA ad-funded business model, TVNZ has expressed its intention to introduce pay-TV offerings as part of its five-year digital strategy. In related news, Dutch telecoms group Talpa has secured an agreement with public service broadcaster NOS to show highlights from the World Cup. As part of this agreement, highlights will be aired during Talpa’s daily magazine programs during the tournament.
NOS holds rights to broadcast all 104 World Cup matches in the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg) as part of an agreement covering both 2026 and 2030 editions. The public broadcaster plans to air these across linear TV, online streaming and radio.
This partnership between TVNZ and Sky NZ is a significant development for sports fans and sports betting fans alike in New Zealand. It not only provides more access points for viewing but also introduces a new revenue model for the broadcasters.
