Spark Close To Grabbing EPL Rights In New Zealand From Sky TV

Spark's "encroachment into the sports viewing market in New Zealand may have taken another significant step," with the potential acquisition of Premier League rights, according to Michael Burgess of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The telecom secured the rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup earlier this year, and is reportedly "about to secure coverage of the world's most popular football league." Spark is "close to grabbing" the rights to the EPL from the start of the '19-20 season for a three-year period. It means that New Zealand's EPL fans "may have to sign up" for Spark's service from next year. If Spark's acquisition is confirmed, it will be "viewed as another blow" for Sky TV in the sports arena. While EPL matches do not attract audiences that are comparable to Super Rugby or the National Rugby League -- "partly because of the unfriendly viewing times" -- they have been a "vital" part of Sky TV's portfolio (NZ HERALD, 5/16).