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Belgian Pro League Broadcast Deal Terminated with DAZN

Belgian soccer’s⁢ Pro League is⁣ at risk of a domestic broadcast blackout after its rights deal with ⁤DAZN was terminated.

The two parties⁤ had signed a deal worth €84.2 million (US$97.4 million) per year in December 2024 covering the 2025/26 to 2029/30 cycle.⁢ This was ⁢a ‍important decrease from‍ the €103 million (US$119 million)‍ annual agreement⁣ signed by Eleven Sports, now owned by DAZN, in 2020.

The terms of the deal required DAZN, as the exclusive rights holder, to secure wider ⁣coverage by signing distribution deals with other media partners who could broadcast live Pro League⁤ matches to a broader audience. This was intended to maximize viewership and revenue for ⁢the league.

Despite talks with the ⁤likes of ⁤Orange, Proximus and Telenet, DAZN was unable to reach any agreements, meaning the subscription streaming⁣ service was the only ‍place to watch ⁤Pro League games in Belgium. This limited access frustrated fans and potentially reduced overall viewership.

DAZN stated that despite discussions ⁢with the Pro⁢ League, it has been ‘impossible’ to find a solution and ⁣left the company ‘with⁣ no alternative but to observe the ending ⁢of the agreement with the Pro League’.

DAZN also emphasised that it had met all its financial obligations ‘in full openness’ and within the contractual timelines to⁤ date.

“We are disappointed to have reached a situation where, despite various attempts to resolve the situation, DAZN has no alternative but to observe the extinction of the contract⁤ under Belgian law,” said Massimo D’Amario, managing director of DAZN Belgium.

“No company should be forced to operate⁤ at ⁢a loss. That’s simply not a sustainable business. For the past five years,‍ our ‍Belgian operation has stood beside the Pro League, its clubs, and its supporters – proof of our long-term ⁤commitment to Belgian football.

“Our‍ team in Belgium continue to ⁢serve fans with professionalism and respect. We remain committed to Belgian ⁤football – to its passion, its people, and the fairness it ‍deserves.”

The Pro League released a statement⁢ confirming the termination and stating it will take ‘all necessary legal steps’ ‍to ensure DAZN honours the agreement.