Nine is set to launch an extension of its streaming service, Stan, with Stan Sport, a live and on-demand premium sport package to be offered as a bundle to Stan’s streaming customers.

The initial content is expected to come through in 2021, stemming from Nine’s new partnership with Rugby Australia.

The parties have reached an in-principle commercial agreement between Nine and Rugby Australia, pending SANZAAR sign off.

The three-year deal will include live free-to-air and ad-free subscription coverage and is worth approximately $100m in cash and contra. There is also a two-year option for Nine to extend.

Nine is also working on deals for other exclusive sports rights, on either a pay or cross-platform basis, in a bid to grow its subscriber base and revenues.

The move means Nine can choose the appropriate platform for its various sports offering.

“The launch of Stan Sport is a bold expansion for Mike Sneesby and the team at Stan, to sit alongside our hugely successful Stan entertainment offering,” said Hugh Marks, Nine CEO. “We will bring our collective expertise from decades of experience in live sport broadcasting to deliver the best possible outcomes for viewers, rights holders, and the growth ambitions of the sports we partner with."