T20 Black Clash Red Hot for TVNZ

The Hot Spring Spas T20 Tauranga Black Clash in association with Wolfbrook once again proved its pulling power, with this year’s Cricket vs Rugby showdown drawing huge audiences, both on and off the field.

A capacity crowd filled Tauranga’s Bay Oval on Saturday, while the star-studded clash reached 928,300 Kiwis (AP5+) on TVNZ 1 and was the most watched sporting event on free-to-air in the past year Year¹.

The broadcast also delivered a 58% share – a 14% lift on 2025’s performance².

Viewership increased year on year across the 25-54 (up 7%) and 18-54 (up 6%) demographics, underscoring the wide appeal of both the event and the broadcast³.

The match also reached an impressive 91,000 logged-in accounts on TVNZ+, with fans streaming the action live – a 4% increase year‑on‑year⁴.

TVNZ’s Head of Sport, Events and Partnerships, Melodie Robinson, said the momentum behind the event highlights its enduring appeal.

“Black Clash has cemented itself as a standout fixture of the New Zealand summer. Watching some of our biggest rugby and cricket stars go head‑to‑head in such a fun yet fiercely competitive setting clearly connects with viewers, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see Kiwis tuning in in such huge numbers once again. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.”

Duco Events’ Event Director, Carlena Limmer, said the strong ratings reinforce the excitement and energy the event brings each summer.

“It’s brilliant to see how strongly Kiwi fans connect with the Black Clash. Putting fans first is core to what we do, and the blend of sportainment, nostalgia, competition and camaraderie has clearly struck a chord. The Bay Oval crowd brought incredible energy, which came through brilliantly on TVNZ’s coverage.”

The event was also a hit for the city. Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said it was easy to see why the Black Clash delivered impressive ratings again this year.

“Experiencing this year’s event firsthand was extraordinary – a packed crowd, sporting legends on both sides, and a nail-biting finish made for an electric night.

“Nights like these are why Tauranga City Council is proud to support events like the Black Clash, showing off our city at its absolute best and highlighting Bay Oval as an incredible venue to an audience approaching one million viewers – a reminder that Tauranga is an unbeatable summer events destination.”

1) Nielsen TAM; Consolidated until 10/01/26; Average Daily Reach (000’s); Most watched programme ranked by Aud %. Past year – 01/02/25 – 18/01/26; Genre – Sport. Excludes the Intl Cricket 20/20 Washed out game on 23/10 on TVNZ 1*

2) Nielsen TAM; Consolidated until 10/01/26; TVNZ 1; Share %

3.Nielsen TAM; Consolidated until 10/01/26; Black Clash on TVNZ 1*; Average Aud (000’s)

4) TVNZ+ – GA, Youbora – AP 13+; Reach & Streams