Sky closes in on broadcast rights for first women’s British & Irish Lions tour

Sky is nearing a deal to secure broadcast rights for the first-ever women’s British & Irish Lions tour.

• The Lions will compete in five matches in New Zealand in 2027.
• Sky has held the live rights for men’s Lions tours since 1997.

The inaugural women’s British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year is anticipated to be shown live on Sky Sports, providing a major lift for women’s rugby. Sky has possessed live rights for men’s Lions matches since the 1997 tour of South Africa, and the broadcaster is reportedly in advanced negotiations to add the women’s series to its lineup.

The first women’s Lions team will play three Tests against the Black Ferns and two tour matches in September next year, with Sky expected to broadcast all five games.