Sky TV in New Zealand has agreed to show live games from the ASB Premiership, New Zealand's national football league, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

New Zealand Football, the governing body for soccer in the country which organises the eight-team league, has struck a deal with the broadcaster that will see 32 of the competition's 59 matches aired live over the course of the coming season.

Sky will also show the semi-finals and grand final of the 2015/16 season.

"We have repeatedly stated it is our aim to increase the popularity and visibility of football in New Zealand," New Zealand Football (NZF) chief executive Andy Martin told Stuff.co.nz.

"To do that, we need to successfully link our exceptionally strong grassroots base to the international game. This is where our top level domestic competition comes in.

"By getting the ASB Premiership on television regularly, we increase our ability to showcase the pathway available to our players and we can begin to create local heroes."