Sky Television was unable to be reached for comment

Football: Sky set to secure English Premier League rights

From http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11654002

The English Premier League looks set to be returning to New Zealand television screens.

It’s understood that Sky Television has secured the rights to broadcast the Premier League in the local market, beginning with the upcoming season.

The Premier League – which is recognized as the world’s most popular football league and watched by hundreds of millions across the globe – has been broadcast via the internet sports streamer Coliseum Sports over the last three seasons.

Doha-based Bein Sports (a subsidiary of Al Jazeera) won the rights late last year, outbidding both Sky Television and Coliseum.

However, it’s understood Bein Sports’ main focus was setting up an Asia-Pacific Premier League hub, with New Zealand just a small link in the coverage to the region. But Bein failed to secure some big markets, including Australia (Optus).

Since then, Bein has been trying to on-sell the New Zealand rights to the Premier League and it’s believed they have struck a deal with the local pay television operator.

Sky Television was unable to be reached for comment.