Television New Zealand (TVNZ), the public broadcaster, has announced its first foray into pay-TV offerings. This move comes after securing a landmark agreement to broadcast soccer’s flagship event, the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
TVNZ will replace Sky NZ, the country's leading pay-TV broadcaster that held rights to air the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Other platforms like Amazon Prime and media company Stuff had also previously shown select games free-to-air (FTA).
However, in a significant shift from previous arrangements, TVNZ will only provide access to the entire tournament schedule through an event pass on its streaming service TVNZ+. While all matches involving New Zealand's national team - All Whites and other select games will still be available on FTA basis. This marks a historic moment for TVNZ as it is their first time charging fees for content access.
Expanded scope of 2026 World Cup
The upcoming World Cup scheduled for next year is set to be hosted across three countries - US, Canada and Mexico. It promises an extended list of participating teams with 48 teams including New Zealand’s All Whites, playing in a total of 104 matches over a span of 39 days.
In addition to this extensive coverage, TVNZ's rights package also includes FTA coverage of both men’s and women’s Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups happening this year and in 2026 respectively.
Strategic move by TVNZ
Jodi O’Donnell, Chief Executive at TVNZ stated that while they plan on maintaining their original FTA ad-funded business model; introducing pay-TV offerings forms part of their five-year digital strategy.
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.”
This latest acquisition marks the third announcement by TVZN within just one month as they aim at competing with Sky NZ – the country’s dominant sports broadcaster. Last week, TVNZ was announced as New Zealand Rugby’s FTA provincial rugby partner, covering the men's annual National Provincial Championship and the women's top-tier Farah Palmer Cup. Furthermore, they have also secured rights to cover the 2026 edition of New Zealand's top-tier network competition - ANZ Premiership, previously held by Sky NZ.
TVNZ's move into pay-TV offerings marks a significant shift in their business model and strategy. With an expanded portfolio of sports coverage including prestigious events like FIFA World Cup 2026 and national championships, TVNZ is set to provide an engaging platform for sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
