Spark Sport/Screenshot
Spark is in talks with TVNZ about a deal that will cover most of Spark Sport’s portfolio.
Spark is in talks with TVNZ about a potential “content partnering deal” covering Spark Sport, the telecoms company announced on Thursday.
The company hasn’t clarified whether the agreement could provide for it selling its Spark Sport service or some or all of Spark Sport’s content rights outright to the state broadcaster.
However, sources suggested a deal could see more of the sporting events that Spark Sport have access to, shown free-to-air by TVNZ.
In an announcement to the NZX, Spark said the company has “accelerated strategic partnership opportunities for Spark Sport to drive better returns.
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“In response to media reports, Spark confirmed today that it is in discussions with TVNZ for a potential content partnering agreement covering the majority of Spark Sport’s portfolio.
“Discussions are ongoing and incomplete, and Spark will update the market in accordance with its ongoing disclosure obligations,” the company said.
JASON DORDAY/MATERIALS
Former Spark CEO Simon Moutter had hoped Spark Sport would attract a million paying subscribers.
The media speculation Spark referred to in its NZX release said that Spark was on the verge of an agreement that would see Spark Sport sold to TVNZ.
However, Spark did not make it clear in its disclosure to the NZX if this was the case.
Spark and TVNZ declined further comment.
Spark Sport is a sports streaming service launched in 2019 by former Spark CEO Simon Moutter.
Moutter believed the service could attract a million paying subscribers and become a significant competitor to Sky TV.
However, there has long been speculation that it could only be a temporary venture for Spark.
Speculation that it might one day withdraw from the market accelerated when current CEO Jolie Hodson replaced Moutter later in 2019, and as a result of losing some of his early sports rights.
In February, Sky announced that it had regained local rights to broadcast English Premier League football matches, which have been one of Spark Sports’ main attractions, and Sky has also successfully secured most of its rugby rights.
Spark Sports’ current sports rights include extensive cricket and motorsport rights, as well as the right to stream Champions League football matches.
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