TVNZ is set to become the exclusive domestic broadcaster for all of New Zealand men's and women's international matches as well as the Super Smash from the beginning of 2023-24 home summer until the end of 2025-26 season. The move, according to an NZC media release, has come following Spark's decision to exit the sports streaming market.
The new deal with New Zealand's largest free-to-air broadcaster will officially begin in July 2023, with the current home summer programme to be screened on Spark Sport and TVNZ. In addition to over 300 international and domestic cricket matches being screened live on a combination of TVNZ1 and Duke over the agreed three-year period, these fixtures will also be streamed on TVNZ+. Whisper, the production company, will continue to produce the matches for broadcast.
The release also stated that the value of NZC's media rights package has not changed.
"Spark Sport has contributed significantly to the New Zealand sports environment, by introducing competition to the market, increasing the volume of cricket produced for broadcast, and implementing cutting-edge technology," NZC chief executive David White said.
"Notwithstanding the disappointment for Spark Sport, this is a very good outcome for the game of cricket in New Zealand. It safeguards the professional game; it safeguards the community game, and it provides unprecedented access for Kiwi cricket fans.
"We're delighted New Zealanders can look forward to this level of free-to-air coverage - it's a game-changer for the sport in this country."
NZC had entered into a six-year deal with Spark Sport in 2019 to show all home cricket, ending a relationship with Sky that dates back to 1995, with a small amount of cricket broadcast on TVNZ.