- ANZAC Round, Magic Round and the State of Origin Series to be shown FTA
- 1m New Zealanders follow rugby league, says NRL
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sport New Zealand have extended and expanded their National Rugby League (NRL) broadcast partnership until the end of the 2027 season.
The new agreement covers the Australian-based rugby league competition's regular season matches along with the finals series, grand finals and the State of Origin men’s and women’s fixtures.
The enhanced agreement will see both the ARLC and Sky Sport working with New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) to co-invest in initiatives to grow the sport regionally.
For the first time, selected games during ANZAC Round, Magic Round and the State of Origin series will be made available on free-to-air television in New Zealand.
Sophie Moloney, Sky Sport chief executive, said: “Through our partnership we have committed to working even more closely with NRL and NZRL to grow the game of Rugby League in New Zealand, we also commit to making some important matches available free-to-access. That way we can ensure as many Kiwis as possible can enjoy the wonderful game of Rugby League.”
Andrew Abdo, NRL chief executive, added: “This is an exciting deal for rugby league fans in New Zealand and highlights Sky’s ongoing commitment to growing our game. It ensures every Premiership and NRLW game will continue to be broadcast live, along with the finals series and State of Origin.”
According to the NRL, around one million New Zealanders follow rugby league.
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