Spark to offer Sky Sport bundle

Tuesday, 27 October 2020

Deal will let Spark Sport customers buy bundled service for six months, with option to roll over the plan until May 2022.

Spark will offer Sky’s sports streaming service Sky Sport Now bundled with its own internet sports service, Spark Sport, from November 16.

Sky said in a statement to the NZX that the terms of deal were confidential but the “initial arrangement” would be for up to six months.

Spark spokeswoman Lucy Fullarton said the combined service would cost $49.99 a month.

Customers who signed up during the six months the offer was available would be able to stay on the plan up to until May 2022, she said.

* Spark Sport goes live bringing new competition to sports viewing

Sky chief executive Martin Stewart says partnerships are a key part of its strategy.

Bought separately, Spark Sport costs $24.99 a month and Sky Sport Now $39.99 a month.

Spark will only sell the bundle to customers who also have mobile or broadband plans with Spark.

Fullarton described the marketing partnership as “tactical” in nature, indicating it had not been decided whether it would continue longer into the future.

“At this point it is what it is,” she said.

Ever since Spark Sport launched in March last year there has been speculation Spark might at some point exit the streaming sports market in favour of a partnership with Sky.

That chatter increased when Spark sold its streaming entertainment service, Lightbox, to Sky for $6 million in December.

Fullarton acknowledged the sports bundle announcement on Tuesday might increase that speculation but said it was just about offering more to customers.

Spark marketing director Matt Bain said it was about offering “flexibility and choice”.

Sky chief executive Martin Stewart said partnerships were a key part of Sky’s strategy.

“We are open to working with partners who can help us put Sky in the hands of every New Zealander, as is evidenced by our long term partnership with Vodafone, and our partnership with TVNZ to deliver the Tokyo Olympics to New Zealanders,” he said.