Sky Network Foreign Exempt NZX Lines Up NRL Rights Through 2034 Pending Vote
Sky secures exclusive seven-year NRL broadcast rights for New Zealand
Sky New Zealand has secured an exclusive seven-year broadcast partnership for New Zealand NRL rights with the Australian Rugby League Commission, running from January 2028 to December 2034. The agreement renews a relationship that has spanned more than three decades.
The deal locks in exclusive NZ NRL rights, keeping one of New Zealand’s most popular sporting competitions across Sky’s platforms for the better part of a decade.
Importantly, the agreement is conditional on Sky shareholder approval by special resolution, which will be sought at the company’s upcoming Annual Shareholder Meeting. The deal is not yet unconditional.
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What the deal delivers for Sky customers and fans
The renewed partnership ensures continued comprehensive live coverage across the NRL calendar. Content secured includes:
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Season-long NRL and NRLW competitions
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All One NZ Warriors matches
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The Finals Series and Grand Finals
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All State of Origin games
Sky intends to deliver this coverage across its full portfolio, spanning pay, free-to-air and venue channels:
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Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now
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Strengthened free-to-air offering across Three and ThreeNow
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Sky Venue premises (pubs, clubs, hotels and motels)
The combined offering broadens reach across the country. According to the company, this reinforces Sky as the best partner for the NRL in this market.
Sophie Moloney, Sky Chief Executive
“The passion New Zealanders have for rugby league continues to grow, driven by a world-class competition and the incredible support behind the Warriors. I am delighted that Sky has extended its long-standing partnership with the NRL and will continue to bring the sport we love to audiences across the country.”
Why sports rights matter to Sky’s investment case
The company framed the transaction within its stated “disciplined, data-informed approach to content investment”, positioning it as a considered commitment rather than a one-off cost.
On commercial terms, the announcement is transparent about what has not been shared. Deal terms are commercially sensitive and have not been disclosed. Sky stated it is confident the agreement “reflects the value of this content to New Zealand audiences and to its business.”
The shareholder approval condition explained
The agreement is conditional on shareholder approval by special resolution at Sky’s Annual Shareholder Meeting. This is a material condition that investors should note, as the deal does not proceed unconditionally without it.
Approval is required for two reasons, according to the announcement:
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Section 129 of the Companies Act 1993: because the value of the assets to be acquired over the seven-year period is more than half the value of Sky’s assets before the acquisition, and because Sky will incur obligations in excess of half its asset value.
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NZX Listing Rule 5.1.1: because the “Gross Value” of the assets to be acquired over the seven-year period exceeds 50% of Sky’s “Average Market Capitalisation” as those terms are defined in the NZX Listing Rules.
To provide context on scale, the announcement noted that as at 7 July 2026, Sky’s Average Market Capitalisation was $443,795,395. This signals the size of the commitment relative to the company’s overall market value. More information regarding the approval process will be provided in due course.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rights secured | Exclusive NZ NRL |
| Term | 7 years |
| Period | Jan 2028 – Dec 2034 |
| Counterparty | Australian Rugby League Commission |
| Condition | Shareholder special resolution |
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A three-decade partnership set to continue
The transaction extends a relationship that Sky and the NRL have maintained for more than three decades, bringing rugby league to fans across Aotearoa New Zealand. In recent years, the two parties have focused on growing the game, developing the next generation of players and fans, and supporting the sport’s ongoing expansion in the market.
Moloney described the renewal as an opportunity to “carry that momentum forward,” continuing coverage across Sky and Three audiences.
Peter V’landys AM, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman
“We are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Sky, who have been excellent partners in growing rugby league in New Zealand, and bringing its biggest moments into the homes of millions of New Zealanders.”
The next step is the shareholder vote at the Annual Shareholder Meeting, where the special resolution will be put to a vote. Should shareholders approve, the seven-year term is set to commence in January 2028.
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