Hot Off the Press Release: Spark Sport Scores More Screens and Codes

Spark has widened the range of devices on which you can watch Spark Sport, including late-model Panasonic and Sony TVs, and the new Freeview recorder and streaming device, while expanding the range of sport it offers.

Here are this morning’s and yesterday’s press releases in full:

Spark Sport launches across a range of new devices

With 9 weeks to go until Rugby World Cup 2019 kick off, Spark Sport has launched across a range of new devices to give consumers the choice of how they watch Spark Sport.

From today Spark Sport is available on 2017+ Panasonic Smart TVs, 2017+ Sony Android TVs, Freeview A2 Recorders and Freeview Smart VU Streaming Devices.

Head of Spark Sport, Jeff Latch, says Spark Sport is giving New Zealanders choice when it comes to sports viewing.

“When we developed the plans to deliver Rugby World Cup 2019, one of the first decisions we made was to ensure the app would be available across a range of different streaming devices and media players.

“Instead of being bound to their lounge room with a set-top box, viewers can choose when and where they want to watch, be it on the go or at home on their big screens.

“As we ready for the most anticipated event on the Rugby calendar we want to make sure customers have enough time to check their broadband connection, test their tech and get set up, as this will be key to them having a seamless experience come September.”

Spark Sport is already available on web, iOS and Android devices, 2017+ Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD and Google Chromecast.

Customers wanting to check if their current device is compatible should head to help.sparksport.co.nz>Getting Started>What Devices Can I Watch Spark Sport On?

The new Freeview A2 Recorder and Freeview Smart VU Streaming Device combine the entire suite of Freeview features with apps you can download from Google Play including Spark Sport. The Freeview A2 Recorder retails for $439 available at all major electronic outlets and the Freeview Smart VU retails for $139 available at all major electronic outlets and Spark Stores.

Spark Sport is available on all 2017+ Sony Android TVs. Customers wanting to check if their Sony TV is compatible should head to our Sony help page.

Spark Sport is available on all 2017+ Panasonic Smart TVs. Customers wanting to check if their Panasonic Smart TV is compatible should head to our Panasonic help page.

Spark expands its football and tennis offering and adds racing to its line up

Spark Sport continues to grow the range of sports offered in its $19.99 monthly subscription. With new football, tennis and racing content, July is a great sporting month to join Spark Sport.

Football

Football fans will be able to enjoy the run up to the start of the English Premier League season with two pre-season tournaments playing exclusively on Spark Sport.

Spark Sport will be home to the International Champions Cup Football for Men and Women for 2019 and 2020. Kicking off on today (17 July) and running until mid-August, the ICC is an annual club association football competition, featuring club teams from Europe playing pre-season matches, in the United States, China and across Europe. Men’s teams playing include Arsenal, Atletico de Madrid, Benfica, FC Bayern, Juventus and Manchester United; women’s teams include Lyon Féminines and Atlético de Madrid Femenino.

Spark Spork will also show the Premier League Asia Trophy, which runs over the next few days, from 17-20 July. Manchester City, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will compete in this biennial tournament run out of China.

Tennis

Spark Sport is pleased to announce that it has signed a partnership with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). For the next three years (2019-2021), Spark Sport will show many of the International and Premier Tournaments from the WTA circuit.

In 2019, tennis fans can look forward to watching a number of tournaments from the North American hardcourt season, as well as tournaments in the lead up to the WTA Finals in Shenzhen. Spark Sport will show the World Feed, which will showcase a variety of the most popular content from the tournament.

Micky Lawler, WTA President said, “We are excited that Spark Sport will showcase our world-class players and tournaments to existing fans and new audiences in New Zealand, through a mix of live action and feature programs. The Spark Sport team takes a dynamic approach to a range of sports and we are confident they will prove to be a premium partner of the WTA.”

Racing

Finally, Spark Sport has also partnered with the Racing Industry Transition Agency (formerly the New Zealand Racing Board) to show TAB Trackside on Spark Sport. TAB Trackside has two channels packed full of racing action and commentary, with a variety of thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing. As well as live racing, TAB Trackside includes pre and post-race coverage, live odds and feature shows such as Weigh In and DogZone.