Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the media rights for New Zealand Cricket (NZC) at a reported value of $90-100 million for the Indian market. Additionally, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), which also holds media rights for the England and Sri Lanka cricket boards, has added New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to its portfolio.
Under the agreement, SPNI will broadcast NZC matches on television and digital platforms from May 2024 to April 2031. The deal includes two India tours to New Zealand, featuring 24 matches across Test, ODI, and T20 formats.
SPNI head of sports business Rajesh Kaul, said, “Apart from the three cricket boards that we currently have, we are also evaluating a couple of other cricket rights that will become available. We will be prudent while bidding for cricket properties.”
Following the termination of its merger with Zee Entertainment in January the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) media rights deal marks Sony Pictures Networks India’s (SPNI) second major sports acquisition. Last month, SPNI secured exclusive media rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League in a $40 million agreement. Additionally, in October 2023, the network obtained media rights for UEFA Euro 2024 and 2028 in a deal worth $48 million.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Executive Scott Weenink highlighted that the deal with Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) covers both television and digital rights, unlike previous agreements with Amazon. He said, “Sony will own the digital rights on a non-exclusive basis for the first few years since Amazon Prime Video also holds the digital rights until 2026.”