Industry News
SKY TV LOSES RIGHTS TO BROADCAST 3 PGA TOURS
Sky Television today confirmed it had failed in its bid to
renew the rights to US PGA Tour golf - which included the
LPGA Tour - for three years, as well as the European PGA
Tour and Asian Tour for an unknown period of time.
A Sky TV spokeswoman said it understood it was not
outbid by another company, rather the rights owners
wished to trial a direct-to-customer approach to the New
Zealand market.
This meant the coverage was almost certain to switch to
an online format.
“We are very disappointed to have missed out on the
rights and will be working hard to try and secure them
once again when they next become available,” the
company said in a statement.
Sky TV did retain the rights to the upcoming Ryder Cup,
as well as three major tournaments including the Masters,
US Open and Open Championship (British Open).
The loss of rights means fans will have to seek the direct
coverage to watch Kiwi players play.
It was another blow for Sky TV, after being outbid for the
rights to the English Premier League by Coliseum Sports
Media last year.
The broadcaster said it has retained the rights to New
Zealand Cricket, A League Football, New Zealand
Rugby League, IPL Cricket, 2 ESPN sport channels and a
significant cycling package including the Tour de Fra