Spark Sport has become the new home of MotoGP in New Zealand, with a three-year deal confirmed on Tuesday.
It means that MotoGP’s former broadcaster, Sky, has lost yet another motorsport series from its programming.
Spark Sport already has the rights to Formula 1, F2, F3 and the WRC. This year also saw the streaming service pick up the Castrol Toyota Racing Series with live coverage of the New Zealand Grand Prix and the finale in Manfeild.
Spark will broadcast every MotoGP Grand Prix live and offer full race replays, highlights and a magazine show for fans. Every Moto2 and Moto3 race will also be shown live.
“MotoGP and Formula 1 are the world’s premier motorsport competitions so Spark Sport will be providing New Zealand motorsport fans with the very best international motorsport content available,” Jeff Latch, Head of Spark Sport, said.
For fans of all forms of motorsport, it means that the divide between what Spark has to offer and what Sky brings to the table is widened.
Sky has the rights to the Supercars Championship, World Endurance Championship, IndyCar and the World Superbikes.
October last year saw Spark and Sky Sport announce a bundle package for NZ $49.99 per month. The package includes access to all of Spark’s services and ten Sky Sport channels.
This deal is only available up until May, and it is yet to be decided whether it will be extended or not.
“We’re very proud to announce Spark Sport as our new broadcaster for MotoGP in New Zealand and begin an exciting new partnership,” said Manel Arroyo, Managing Director of Dorna Sports (MotoGP’s commercial rights holder)
“MotoGP fans have a lot to look forward to in 2021, with a new Champion in Joan Mir trying to defend his crown in one of the most competitive eras the sport has ever seen, and fans are also hoping to see the return of eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez from injury – adding another new element of anticipation to the incredible, unpredictable racing we’ve been enjoying in the last few years.
“The stage is set for it to be another season of stunning action, and I’m very happy that fans in New Zealand will be able to enjoy such quality racing on Spark Sport.”
The 2021 MotoGP season is scheduled to start in Qatar on March 28.
