Basketball New Zealand is proud to announce its latest partnership with Sky Sport, joining more than 50 other National Sports Organisations to form New Zealand Sport Collective.
The broadcaster’s latest push in the streaming market is ‘Sky Sport Next’, a platform which will be dedicated to promoting popular minnow sports and promising talent.
Basketball New Zealand Chief Executive Iain Potter says the platform will boost its efforts to make basketball more accessible to the greater public.
“Being part of the New Zealand Sport Collective and Sky Sport Next is great for our sport.
“Basketball has been experiencing phenomenal growth for some time and this initiative will help continue that growth.
“This collaboration also recognises and validates the difference made by the supporters, players and parents, the helpers and the officials, who selflessly give so much to our communities.”
Live streams and highlight packages for the events across the 50 odd sports will be put together and shared across Sky’s plethora of channels: Sky Sport Next YouTube, Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now and Prime.
In particular, Sky Sport Next will shine a spotlight on Olympic pathway sports such as swimming, climbing, athletics and gymnastics, showcasing international home games and events not currently on Sky Sport, and National Championships across many grades.
In line with Sky’s commitment to support women in sport, it aims to have a balance in the male and female representation on the new platform.
Sky Chief Executive Martin Stewart says Sky Sport Next will give viewers free insight into a wider range of sports than what is currently offered.
“As the Home of Sport in New Zealand, we’re about the whole game, which means all levels of sport – from grassroots to the elite.
“We’re keen to support all the sports that New Zealanders love to play and watch.
“We understand the importance of a sustainable future for New Zealand sport and are proud to be investing more than $10 million over the next three years to give over 50 Kiwi sports a chance to be seen and to grow.
“Sky Sport Next is a tangible way we can give back to our communities and support sports and talent that don’t currently get a lot of exposure.”
