State of Origin fixtures and a selection of premium NRL matches will be available on free-to-air TV in New Zealand for the first time in a new broadcast rights deal between the ARL Commission and Sky New Zealand.
As part of the deal that will extend to the end of 2027, selected games during Anzac Round and Magic Round will be available on free-to-air television.
The deal ensures all NRL Telstra Premiership and NRLW games will be broadcast live in New Zealand.
The enhanced agreement involves a new level of collaboration with both the ARLC and Sky NZ working closely alongside New Zealand Rugby League to co-invest in initiatives to grow rugby league.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said the deal showed the game was developing in New Zealand.
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"This is an exciting deal for rugby league fans in New Zealand and highlights Sky NZ’s ongoing commitment to growing our game," he said.
"It ensures every premiership and NRLW game will continue to be broadcast live, along with the finals series and State of Origin.
"Sky’s increased commitment for the duration of this deal will assist in expanding our reach in New Zealand, including coverage of our emerging development competitions.
"There’s around one million Kiwis who follow rugby league and partnerships like this play a vital role in growing our fan base and ensuring even more coverage of one of the world’s most entertaining and exciting competitions.
This deal highlights the importance of the New Zealand Warriors
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo
"We have some of the best athletes in the world and a growing number of those players are from New Zealand.
"This deal also highlights the importance of the New Zealand Warriors. Despite the Warriors not having played in Auckland for over a year, Sky were committed to not only extending their deal, but significantly broadening it."
Sky New Zealand Chief Executive Sophie Moloney said the partnership was more than a broadcast deal.
"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, like the roadshow we have on this weekend in Christchurch with the Warriors and NZRL," she said.
"We’ll do everything we can to attract and develop the next generation of league fans and players from grassroots to high performance. It’s this which is vital to the future of the game.
"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."
