Univision picks up live rights Spanish language rights to CWC from DAZN
February 14 – Streaming platform DAZN and US Spanish-language broadcaster Univision have agreed a sublicense deal for 18 Club World Cup matches across its channels.
Broadcast
German consumer body opens class action against Bundesliga TV partner DAZN for price gouging
February 10 – The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband) is pursuing a class action lawsuit against DAZN, alleging unjustified price increases.
FIFA+ agrees broadcast distribution deal with UAE’s Evision
February 3 – Evision, the media and entertainment subsidiary of UAE mobile telecoms business e& (formerly Etisalat), has announced a strategic partnership with FIFA+ to bring the football-focused channel to STARZ ON, its free ad-supported streaming platform. This collaboration aims to enhance football content offerings in the MENA region by providing 24/7 access to premium FIFA programming at no cost.
‘The New Gaffer’ doc tells story of grassroots women’s hero
February 3 – Women’s football is perhaps the fastest growing sector within the game, and that theme looks set to continue now that East London Ladies FC and MOLO have teamed up to celebrate one woman’s impact on grassroots football over the last decade in their new documentary ‘The New Gaffer’.
Apple’s $2.5bn MLS streaming deal starts to show cracks
January 31 – The MLS’s groundbreaking 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Apple is starting to show cracks after just two seasons, with not even Lionel Messi driving the subscriber growth that was predicted for the streaming service both within the US and internationally.
MLS moves broadcast production in with WWE; IMG extends content deal
January 28 – Major League Soccer (MLS) is moving its productions to WWE Headquarters in Stamford Connecticut from East Harlem, New York.
TFF strikes TV deal with HT Spor for lower tier leagues until end of season
January 20 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has signed a TV rights agreement with broadcaster HT Spor for Nesine 2nd League and Nesine 3rd League matches. The agreement will run until the end of this season in June.
BBC confirms Cates, Chapman and Logan rotate hosting of world’s oldest football show
January 17 – The announcement that the entire country of England has been anxiously awaiting has finally happened. Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will be the new Match of the Day (MOTD) presenters from next season, the BBC has announced.
FIFA launches Spanish rights tender for 2026 and home-hosted 2030 World Cups
January 16 – In 2030, Spain will co-host their first World Cup since the fiesta hit Iberian shores in 1982, but before a ball is kicked, the all-important media rights are up for grabs.
Saudi-owned SURJ set to spend $1bn on DAZN stake
January 15 – After months of speculation, Saudi Arabia is closing in on a $1 billion investment in sports streaming platform DAZN, offering the Arab Kingdom a sports broadcasting arm and home to sports rights properties.
Disney buys FuboTV with new sports streaming channel on the agenda
January 8 – In a streaming shake-up, Disney has acquired a majority stake in FuboTV with Hulu + Live TV to combine forces in the market.
Euro 2024 tops ranking of world’s most streamed sports events in 2024, beating Paris Olympics
January 2 – UEFA’s Euro 2024 championships were the most streamed sports event in 2024, with a cumulative global audience of more than 5 billion globally, comfortably beating the 2024 Paris Olympics that was streamed by more than 3 billion.
Fox out in the cold as Netflix grab rights to 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups
December 23 – FIFA and Netflix have inked a deal for the exclusive rights in the US to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups, marking another significant streaming deal for a major tournament.
Belgian Pro League agrees reduced DAZN TV deal and ponders new format discussion
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.
Kelly Cates transfers from Sky to lead the line at the BBC
December 16 – The identity of the presenter to replace the beloved Gary Lineker on the BBC’s flagship show, Match of the Day is Kelly Cates who will be leaving her current role at Sky Sports.