The New Zealand Open is set to reach audiences across the globe once again, with a new broadcast and production arrangement announced today.
Sky will continue as the New Zealand broadcast partner for the next three years, while NEP will now provide production expertise to deliver extensive coverage ofthe tournament from Queenstown.
The production will also feature enhanced innovative 3D virtual overlays that bring the course and player performance to life, with Virtual Eye also delivering its expertise.
The 2026 broadcast will feature several innovations from NEP, including the use of Live-U cameras positioned across Millbrook Resort to capture dynamic, on-course coverage without the need for an expansive network of cabling and an innovative workflow using NEP’s remote studio facility in Sydney for producing and a graphics hub in Auckland.
These innovations aim to reduce the need for large on-site crews and resources, significantly lowering the tournament’s carbon footprint. This approach reflects the New Zealand Open’s commitment to sustainability and embraces cutting-edge technology to deliver a world-class global broadcast while minimising environmental impact.
Virtual Eye will once again be providing world-class 3D graphics for the broadcast. Executive VP Ben Taylor expressed his delight at their company’s continued support of the broadcast.
“We have been lucky enough to work at the biggest events in golf globally, and we decided early on that we would always treat our home Open with the same level of care and innovation,” Taylor said.
Beyond New Zealand, the tournament will be broadcast internationally via Foxtel in Australia and U NEXT in Japan and distributed to more than 90 countries worldwide through Asian Tour Media – showcasing the spectacular Millbrook Resort and New Zealand’s unique golfing landscape to millions of global viewers.
Australia’s Ryan Peake celebrates his NZ Open triumph. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand Open chairman John Hart said he is delighted that the New Zealand Open will continue to be broadcast across the country on Sky for the next three years.
“Sky’s broadcast commitment to the New Zealand Open ensures that fans across the country can cheer on their favourite Kiwi and International players at our national Open.
“This broadcast partnership ensures the tournament’s visibility will continue to grow and reinforces its status as one of New Zealand’s premier sporting events.”
The New Zealand Open presented by Millbrook will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport and Sky Open from 2.30pm on Thursday, February 26, and will feature four hours of coverage daily through to the tournament’s conclusion on Sunday, March 1.
Internationally, viewers in Australia can catch live coverage on Fox/Kayo and in Japan via UNEXT. Through Asian Tour Media, the New Zealand Open will be broadcast across 90+ countries via major golf channels, including the Golf Channel and NBC Sports App in the USA and Sony Liv in India. In China, the tournament will be broadcast on Guangdong and the Golf Channel, while SuperSport covers Africa, and various broadcasters in Europe will also show the New Zealand Open.
