Sky Sign Last Minute Deal with National Rugby League

March 7, 2013

Sky New Zealand and the National Rugby League have confirmed a deal over the broadcast rights to NRL and Toyota Cup matches just 24 hours before the first-grade season begins in Sydney.

Sky Sport NZ posted on its Facebook page that the deal would be formally announced today.

“The NRL and SKY Television have tonight agreed a deal in principle to bring the excitement of the Telstra Premiership, Holden State of Origin and the Holden Cup to viewers across New Zealand.”

The situation is a repeat of last year’s wrangle to settle a television deal, with Sky NZ and the NRL agreeing only two days before the start of the season.

It is understood the NRL wanted $A20m ($US20.5m) per season for the next five years. Sky is believed to currently pay $NZ14m ($US11.6m) per season.