Spark Sport launching in early March with a free trial month for New Zealanders
Spark Sport priced at just $19.99 a month
One-month free trial available at launch
Spark Sport to launch in early March, in time for Australian Grand Prix
Australian Grand Prix to be simulcast on TVNZ DUKE
Spark Sport launching in ‘beta’ to obtain feedback from Kiwis
Spark Sport is launching in early March with a one-month free trial for those who sign up to the service, to give sports
fans the opportunity to check out the new way of enjoying sport in New Zealand for free. Following a free trial, access
to Spark Sport will be priced at just $19.99 a month for all-you-can-eat sport.
Jeff Latch, Head of Spark Sport says that the team is excited to bring this new way of watching sport to New Zealanders.
“Spark Sport offers a modern and convenient way to watch sport: no long-term contract, the ability to purchase a single
standalone sports package, and an affordable monthly price. We think Kiwis will love being able to stream sport in high
definition on a range of devices, at the time they want, with access to a range of live and on demand coverage, for an
affordable price.”
The free trial will be available to take up in March and will allow New Zealanders to get a taste of the sport that will
be available, including the first two Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season, the FIH Pro League, live NBA matches, Heineken
Cup games, Premier League and Champions League content and the World Rally Championships. Latch says, “We’re confident
that they will really like what they see – and agree with us that all this sport for under $20 a month with no long-term
contract is a great deal.”
The service will initially launch in beta to allow the Spark Sport team to test the platform in real conditions. Latch
explains, “The Spark Sport app is looking great. As we are launching in beta, we would welcome feedback from the first
customers to jump onboard. We will continually be developing the platform and rolling out new functionality in the weeks
and months after launch.”
The service will be live in time for the first Formula 1 race, the Australian Grand Prix. As the launch of Spark Sport
is close to the start of the Formula 1 season, Spark Sport has partnered with TVNZ for the Australian Grand Prix to be
simulcast on Spark Sport and TVNZ DUKE.
Spark Sport coverage of Formula 1 will use the extended Sky UK feed, which includes comprehensive commentary, race data
and graphics for each F1 practice session, race qualifying session and the Formula 1 main race. The Spark Sport coverage
will also include the Sky Grid Walk and post-race review show. TVNZ DUKE will broadcast and livestream the qualifying
session and the main race.
In March, Spark Sport will be available via popular web browsers, Apple iPhone and iPad, Apple AirPlay, Android phones
and tablets and Google Chromecast, with selected Samsung TVs following shortly. During the first six months following
launch, the Spark Sport app will gradually become available on a range of content platforms including Apple TV,
Panasonic, LG and Sony Smart TVs and more.
Spark Sport will make announcements about plans for the Rugby World Cup, including pricing and packaging details in
April, once the Spark Sport platform has been fully launched. “We are well on track with our planning for September and
look forward to releasing more information about how Kiwis will watch the Rugby World Cup, as we expect many New
Zealanders will want to sign up early,” said Latch.
ENDS