December 20 – In a significant drop from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB have signed a new five-year deal, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcast fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the currrent league format.
Following a general assembly on Thursday, the Pro League announced the new agreement that sees the streaming service renew its position as a market leader in Belgium with the top flight, first division, women’s top flight and Belgian Cup in its broadcast portfolio. VRT and RTBF pay a rights fee for radio broadcasts.
The Pro League projects that the total broadcast revenue will reach €93 million once broadcast deals with foreign partners and sports gambling platforms have been concluded.
“From €60 million in the first bidding round, we will finally land at least €93 million,” CEO of the Pro League Lorin Parys told local media. “In volatile and challenging international market conditions, we have done a good job.”
The previous deal with DAZN had been worth €103 million, but the 10% drop reflects a general trend in a broadcast market that has cooled off. TV deals in Italy and Germany have stagnated or decreased. With its lucrative overseas rights, the English Premier League has been the only true growth market.
The clubs have yet to discuss the distribution of the rights revenue and the league format, which has long been a subject of controversy.
The Belgian top flight combines a regular league format with season-ending playoffs. Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s leading clubs, are keen on a revamp of the league format with fewer domestic matches. That’d allow for a bigger focus on European club competitions, which are more lucrative.
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