Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the television and digital rights to broadcast and stream all New Zealand-based Blackcaps and White Ferns matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years.
It bears noting that SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with incumbent rights holder Amazon Prime for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
While financial details were not disclosed, Economic Times reported that the deal value was in the $90 million to $100 million ball park.
“We are looking forward to announcing our new partnership with New Zealand Cricket. I believe New Zealand is renowned for its sportsmanship and strength,” NP Singh, managing director and CEO, SPNI, stated.
The deal, which runs from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2031, will include India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the designated period. All matches will be telecast and streamed live across SPNI’s sports channels and will be livestreamed on Sony LIV, respectively.
Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, chair of New Zealand Cricket (NZC), said it was an exciting time for both organisations.
“With world-class sporting tournaments in their portfolio, Sony Pictures Networks India is one of the premiere sports content providers in India and we look forward to our association,” she said.
The BLACKCAPS have enjoyed major success in recent years, with the inaugural World Test Championship title win in 2021 highlighting their accolades. The men’s team also finished runners-up in the previous T20 World Cup, winning millions of hearts with their spirited display.
Cricket fans in the Indian subcontinent can look forward to watching the BLACKCAPS in action against cricket heavyweights India, Australia, England and Pakistan among others until the end of the 2031 season.
Rajesh Kaul, SPNI’s chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and head – Sports Business, welcomed NZC to its stable of cricket content. “Our partnership with NZC is an important addition to our sports portfolio as the BLACKCAPS have won the hearts of cricket fans through their fierce competitive spirit and impeccable sporting behaviour,” said Kaul.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven-year partnership which includes three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2024-25 as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men’s team in 2026-27 and 2030-31 respectively.”
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink noted that the partnership was a natural fit, with both organisations sharing similar values. “Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative and forward-focussed business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world.”
“It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be – values NZC relates to very strongly.”
NZC GM Commercial Chris Smith said India was a key market for NZC and that the partnership with SPNI was the result of closely aligned interests. “It’s fair to say this is a significant commercial agreement,” said Smith.
“Sony has a large presence in the Indian market on both linear and digital platforms and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.
“It’s been a great experience working with the Sony team while finalising these arrangements.”
