Sky Sports to broadcast eighth consecutive Lions Tour dating back to 1997, with exclusive rights to 2025 Lions tour of Australia; Lions will play nine tour games vs Western Force, Queensland Reds, Waratahs, Brumbies, Invitational Australia/New Zealand side, Rebels, Wallabies (three Tests)
Thursday 12 September 2024 08:42, UK
Sky Sports has secured the rights to the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, with all three Tests and six warm-up matches to be shown exclusively live.
The agreement will see Sky Sports broadcast its eighth consecutive Lions Tour, with the partnership starting in 1997 with the iconic 2-1 series win over South Africa.
The Lions tasted Series success the last time they were on Australian soil in 2013, with a dramatic 2-1 series win following a memorable performance in the decisive final Test.
Having been defeated in a Covid-impacted tour of South Africa back in 2021, the Lions will be aiming to make it a second successive series win in Australia as they kick off the first Test in Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The Lions will play nine games on tour all around Australia, beginning vs Western Force in Perth on June 28 2025.
Further tour games follow against Queensland Reds in Brisbane on July 2, the Waratahs in Sydney on July 5, the Brumbies in Canberra on July 9, an Invitational Australia & New Zealand side in Adelaide on July 12 and the Rebels in Melbourne on July 22.
That game will take place after the opening Test in Brisbane on July 19, with the second Test at the MCG in Melbourne on July 26 and the final Test in the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 2.
Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions, said: "We are delighted to be partnering once again with Sky Sports as our UK & Ireland live broadcast partner for the 2025 Tour.
"Sky Sports have been an outstanding broadcast partner to The British & Irish Lions for many years. The quality of production, presenters, expert panellists, and overall analysis they deliver really enriches the series and makes for a compelling offering for fans watching at home.
"Preparations are really starting to ramp up for 2025 and we are hugely excited for the Tour. Sky Sports will play a key role in helping to further build levels of excitement and anticipation amongst fans and we look forward to working closely with them over the coming period."
Phil Waugh, Rugby Australia CEO, said: "Rugby Australia is excited to be welcoming The British & Irish Lions back to Australia for the first time in 12 years. This iconic tour and the chance to renew the rivalry between the Wallabies and the Lions promises to be a special occasion for everyone.
"We are confident that together, we will deliver a tour that captures the imagination of fans across Australia and Lions fans around the world.
"The manner in which Sky Sports covers the tours has always been excellent and I am delighted they are on board again."
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director, said: "With all its history, the Lions Tour remains one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar and one we always look forward to at Sky Sports. We're committed to delivering world-class coverage of what is sure to be another fantastic series."
