Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the acquisition of media rights for New Zealand Cricket (NZC) exclusively for the Indian market. The deal, estimated at $90-$100 million (Rs 749-Rs 833 crore), has been confirmed by industry insiders.
Under the agreement, SPNI, known for its active involvement in sports media acquisitions, including rights to the England and Sri Lanka cricket boards, will broadcast NZC matches across both television and digital platforms from May 2024 to April 2031. The rights package encompasses two India tours to New Zealand, featuring a total of 24 matches spanning test matches, one-day internationals (ODIs), and T20 internationals.
Rajesh Kaul, Head of Sports Business at SPNI, emphasized the significance of adding NZC rights to the network’s sports portfolio, citing New Zealand’s esteemed status in the cricketing world. Kaul also hinted at potential future acquisitions, stating, “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,” as reported by ET.
With the expiration of the Asian Cricket Council’s media rights deal with Star India and the anticipated bidding process this year, the acquisition of NZC rights marks a significant milestone for SPNI. This agreement comes on the heels of the company’s recent sports rights acquisition endeavors following the termination of the merger deal with Zee Entertainment in January.
