September 29 – Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and Sky New Zealand have confirmed that the upcoming three seasons of the A-Leagues will be available to watch exclusively on Sky.
It is an important deal for the A-Leagues with the league set to expand with a second men’s team in Auckland, new Zealand, next season.
The extension of the partnership means that all matches in the Isuzu UTE A-League Men (kicking off 18 October) and Ninja A-League Women (kicking off 1 November) will play on Sky Sport and streaming on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go.
All matches featuring a New Zealand team will be broadcast live and one match a week will be shared free to air on Sky Open.
Wellington Phoenix men and women have just had their best-ever seasons whilst Auckland FC men’s debut, will give Aotearoa its first professional football derby.
Sophie Moloney, CEO at Sky, said: “Last year’s season was a breakout success for fan engagement with the A-Leagues in New Zealand, with the success of the Wellington Phoenix capturing the hearts and minds of Kiwi fans. Added to that, the excitement surrounding the addition to the leagues of a new team from Aotearoa in Auckland FC has made the upcoming season guaranteed to be appointment watching.”
Commenting on the partnership extension, Nick Garcia, A-Leagues Commissioner said: “New Zealand is really important for our continued growth… Sky Sport is a world-class partner, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership and deliver more A-Leagues action – with one match broadcast free-to-air each week – to entertain New Zealand’s passionate football community and support our ambition to grow the game across the country.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1727699491labto1727699491ofdlr1727699491owedi1727699491sni@g1727699491niwe.1727699491yrrah1727699491