SBS and TVNZ lock in 2030 World Cup rights
SBS and TVNZ have secured 2030 FIFA World Cup rights in Australia and New Zealand, extending the tournament’s broad regional reach across free television and streaming platforms.
SBS and TVNZ have secured rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, maintaining the tournament’s presence across two major public-service media platforms in the region.SBS will retain the Australian rights and keep the competition freely available rather than placing coverage behind a subscription paywall. TVNZ has acquired both free-to-view and paid rights in New Zealand.TVNZ chief executive Jodi O’Donnell said: “With FIFA World Cup 2030 secured, we’re excited to keep building on our momentum.”Financial terms were not disclosed by either broadcaster, while detailed coverage plans will be announced closer to the tournament.The agreements follow strong audience and streaming performances during the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing the value of premium football in driving reach, digital adoption and advertising demand.SBS showed all 104 matches from the 2026 tournament live and free across its television channels and SBS On Demand, continuing a relationship with the World Cup that has helped define its sports output in Australia.Retaining the rights gives SBS another large-scale audience platform and protects one of the most valuable properties in its schedule from commercial broadcasters and subscription services.TVNZ used a hybrid model in New Zealand, combining selected free coverage with a paid event pass offering access to all 104 matches.The tournament generated more than 20 million streams on TVNZ+, making it the largest event in the platform’s history.Coverage of New Zealand’s national team reached more than one million people on TVNZ 1 and more than 500,000 on TVNZ+, while the final attracted a record television reach of 761,000.TVNZ’s 2030 package allows it to retain flexibility around free access and paid digital distribution, creating opportunities to balance public reach with direct consumer revenue.The next World Cup will be staged primarily in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay hosting centenary matches.SBS and TVNZ will now begin planning their production, commercial and distribution strategies for a tournament expected to remain a major driver of live viewing across both markets.