December 20 – In a significant reduction from the previous rights agreement, the Belgian Pro League and DAZB signed a new five-year contract, worth €84,2 million. The reduction in broadcasting fees has prompted clubs to talk about a review of the current league format.
After a general assembly on Thursday, the Pro League announced the new deal which will see 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’s total broadcast revenue will reach €93 million once broadcast deals with foreign partners and sports gambling platforms are concluded.
“From €60 million in the first bidding round, we will eventually land at least €93 million,” Pro League CEO Lorin Paris told local media. “In volatile and challenging international market conditions, we have done a good job.”
The previous contract with DAZN was worth €103 million, but the 10% reduction reflects a general trend in a broadcasting market that has cooled. TV deals stagnated or declined in Italy and Germany. With its lucrative overseas rights, the English Premier League is the only real growth market.
The clubs are yet to negotiate rights revenue distribution and the league format, which has long been a point of contention.
Belgium’s top flight combines a regular league format with season-ending playoffs. Club Brugge, one of Belgium’s leading clubs, is keen to restructure into a league format with fewer domestic matches. This will allow more focus on European club competitions, which are more profitable.
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