New Zealand-based free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster TVNZ is launching a new sports hub available within its TVNZ+ streaming service, with all sports coverage to be free for fans.

Confirmed:

• New sports hub to be launched on 1st July
• Platform to offer live coverage of events, as well as replays and highlights
• Fans can watch multiple live streams simultaneously, as well as having the choice to watch events either ‘live’ or from the start
• TVNZ to show all international cricket matches involving the New Zealand national teams, as well as all Super Smash matches and the domestic one-day finals
• Platform’s offering to also include coverage of the National Football League (NFL), MotoGP, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) events, golf’s US Open Championship and the Women’s Super League (WSL)

Context:

After telco provider Spark announced the closure of its Spark Sport streaming service, TVNZ confirmed it would take over most of its sports broadcasting rights. This included a three-year agreement with New Zealand Cricket that makes TVNZ the exclusive domestic broadcaster of all New Zealand international men’s and women’s cricket games, as well as Super Smash, the country’s Twenty20 competition.

Comment:

“Spark Sport viewers have received an exceptional streaming experience over the past four years, and we’re committed to delivering a similar product with TVNZ+,” said Melodie Robinson, TVNZ’s general manager, sport and events.

“Our goal is to bring sporting coverage to all New Zealanders however they choose to watch with us.”

Coming next:

In August, TVNZ+ will broadcast the upcoming Hockey NZ Oceania Cup for 2023. The tournament will be the first local event to debut on TVNZ+’s newly created sports hub.