Kiwi yachting fans will be able to watch the 2021 America's Cup defence on free-to-air TV, after a spirited bidding war between Mediaworks and TVNZ.
Ultimately, TVNZ have secured the broadcast rights for a reported $3 million dollars, a figure that was apparently driven up steeply by the bidding process.
Stuff is reporting the price tag as "over-the-top".
As part of the agreement, NZME will provide exclusive radio commentary of the event through Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport.
Team New Zealand will retain digital rights and will stream races live through their own online platforms.
Sky TV held the broadcast rights for the 2017 America's Cup challenge in Bermuda, but Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton admits the relationship with pay TV wasn't a comfortable fit.
"It has been a fundamental principle of Emirates Team New Zealand and the Challenger of Record that the America's Cup be accessible to as many Kiwis as possible since we won the trophy back almost one year ago." said Dalton.
"TVNZ have committed to provide coverage of this America’s Cup like no other, so we are delighted that the America's Cup Match, presented by Prada, and all preceding events will be broadcast live and free to air for all New Zealanders to watch and be part of."
After letting the Auld Mug slip through their fingers four years earlier, Team New Zealand made no mistake against rivals Oracle Team USA and skipper Tom Spithill lastyear, dominating the final series to bring the trophy back to Auckland, where it last resided in 2003.
TVNZ chief executive Kevin Kendrick has assured viewers the state-funded broadcaster won't break to ads during Cup races, which was a major shortcoming of its recent coverage of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"We're going to push the boat out to make our coverage accessible to the biggest audiences so everyone feels part of the action," he said.
The contract also covers the America's Cup World Series events over the next two years.
The deal continues TVNZ's renewed committment to carrying major sporting events - last month, they combined with Spark to win 2019 Rugby World Cup rights.
Newshub.
