Spark Sport
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Confirmed:
Spark Sport axed, cricket rights go to TVNZ
... The Spark Sport platform licenced from iStreamPlanet will no longer be made available for third-party use in the second half of 2023, requiring Spark to invest in a new platform and transition customers in order to continue operating the service. ...
One platform that I will not miss...
Spark said TVNZ would take over most Spark Sport content, subject to rights-holder agreement, from July 1 next year.
Agreement has already been reached with New Zealand Cricket, meaning TVNZ will show and produce all Black Caps, White Ferns and Super Smash matches, which are run by New Zealand Cricket, for three years from the start of the 2023/24 cricket season until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Free to air will be good on the whole. TVNZ will be back to the days of an advert every over I guess, but if it pays the bills...
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Confirmed:
It will be free-to-air on TVNZ channels and TVNZ+.
It comes as Spark Sport leaves the sports streaming market.
TVNZ anticipates bringing the majority of sport currently available on Spark Sport to TVNZ's platforms, subject to the approval of rights holders.
A full list will be announced early next year. -
From the Spark Sport media release:
Spark today announced that it has concluded content partnering discussions and TVNZ will become the home of the majority of Spark Sport content, subject to rights holder agreement, from 1 July 2023.
Agreement has already been reached with New Zealand Cricket, meaning TVNZ will show and produce all BLACKCAPS, WHITE FERNS, and Super Smash matches, which are run by New Zealand Cricket, for three years from the start of the 2023/24 cricket season until the end of the 2025/26 season.
In making the decision to exit the sports streaming market, Spark noted escalating content rights costs and a broader range of investment opportunities across its business as the key drivers of the decision. The Spark Sport platform licenced from iStreamPlanet will also no longer be made available for third party use in the second half of 2023, requiring Spark to invest in a new platform and transition customers in order to continue operating the service. -
David White is so full of shit. It was all about the money and obviously Spark Sport were willing to pay overs for the coverage. TVNZ would have got this on the cheap. Let's see what happens in 2026 when the domestic rights are up for renewal.
“This is a very good outcome for the game of cricket in New Zealand,” says New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White. “Having cricket on TVNZ 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.”
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@Bovidae said in Spark Sport:
David White is so full of shit. It was all about the money and obviously Spark Sport were willing to pay overs for the coverage. TVNZ would have got this on the cheap. Let's see what happens in 2026 when the domestic rights are up for renewal.
“This is a very good outcome for the game of cricket in New Zealand,” says New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White. “Having cricket on TVNZ 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.”
Yeah, he has got free to air coverage for the game PLUS money. Can't ask for more than that as a sport.
Will TVNZ be willing to cough up come renewal? I doubt it. At least they won't match what Sky offer and NZC will be placed in a position of pissing off an audience that has returned by moving it back to a sub servive.
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@Bovidae I guess White has to say something - but, are we still future-proofed and catering for the demands of tomorrow? .... some of what he said at the outset.
I remember years ago studying the De Lorean at university - as a case of design run by engineers, rather than accounting for what the market actually wanted. Might be a bit the same in this instance. NZ seems very small to split the sports broadcasting pie.
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F1 going to sky
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/130788433/sky-television-wins-back-rights-to-formula-1
Happy since I sub for the rugby anyway
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@Higgins said in Spark Sport:
@mikedogz For a novice, how do I get access to it? Always available to put my hand up for anything free!
Should be an app on your smart TV, go to the website on your PC, or download the app on your phone or tablet
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