Sony Signs $100 Million Media Rights Deal With New Zealand Cricket
Sports

Sony Signs $100 Million Media Rights Deal With New Zealand Cricket

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the television and digital broadcasting rights for all New Zealand-based men’s (blackcaps) and women’s (white Ferns) matches in India and related territories for the next seven years. From May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2031, this agreement will cover India’s summer tours to New Zealand in 2026–27 and 2030–31, as well as bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

All matches will be live telecast on SPNI’s sports channels and streamed on Sony LIV. The deal, valued between $90 million and $100 million (Rs 749-Rs 833 crore), enhances SPNI’s sports portfolio. Additionally, it already includes agreements with the ECB and SLC.

Sony Pictures Networks India’s managing director and CEO, NP Singh, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting New Zealand’s esteemed cricket team and its passionate fan base in India. NZC CEO Scott Weenink emphasised the shared values between the two organisations, while NZC GM Commercial Chris Smith highlighted India’s significance as a key market and the substantial nature of the partnership.

The deal allows Indian cricket enthusiasts to witness matches against top teams like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan until 2031. Furthermore, SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Amazon Prime for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons.