Amazon just won the live and on-demand rights for the ATP (tennis) tour in the UK and Ireland from 2019-2023. The shift is happening.
Its an interesting one as the shift is working for some and not other sports and content.
Its also even more fascinating that SANZAAR are opening their broadcast rights process so early to allow infrastructure shortfalls to be addressed. IMHO its a bit of a bull before the cart scenario. Especially as they don't know if SANZAAR will stay together and what it will be in the future and that wont be resolved quickly. I think all broadcasters will want to wait until post RWC so they have a good view of the SH markets.
So if you sign on an infrastructure hypothetical (EG: should be ready by xxx) how much risk are you willing to carry? Then what about the on-selling of rights? Traditionally the terrestrial broadcasters play nice together. Will it be the same if a "streamer" is involved?
Then there is the issue of what you get. So if Foxtel (foxsports) as to be cut out for example could that end all the pre, post and other related content they do as Amazon will only provide the games and nothing else?
The other issue that still remains is not all internet is created equal and there are real quality issue. Look at the NRC streamed games for example this year.
After reading the NZ herald article I get the sense that is little to do with SANZAAR rights and more about the NZRU looking at on-selling their AB's steaming rights (AB TV) they already have in place .