BRUSSELS (AP) — Will Belgian soccer fans be able to watch their league this weekend? Uncertainty is in the air after the deal between streaming platform DAZN and the Pro League ended on Tuesday.
Massimo Damario, managing director of DAZN Belgium, said in a statement that the company had no choice but to let the contract expire in accordance with Belgian law. The move infuriated the league, which accused the platform of unilaterally ending cooperation.
The deal was terminated after months of fruitless negotiations after DAZN was unable to conclude a distribution agreement with the Belgian carrier, which was a condition of the bid. As a result, matches were only available on the DAZN app, creating a financially unsustainable situation for rights holders.
“No company should be forced to operate in the red,” Damario said in a statement. “It’s just not a sustainable business.”
The Belgian league said it was “stunned” by DAZN’s announcement, adding that it would take all necessary legal measures to ensure the platform “respects the agreements set forth.”
“In collaboration with the clubs, we as a professional league cannot accept this type of attack on our football,” the league said in a statement. “DAZN will continue to be responsible for the production and broadcast of Belgian football to fans.”
In December 2024, the league transferred domestic media rights to DAZN from 2025 to 2030, in a deal expected to generate at least €84.2 million ($97.3 million) per season.
“The Pro League regrets DAZN’s decision to unilaterally terminate the partnership,” the league added. “By doing so, DAZN shows a complete lack of respect for our football, our club and our fans.”
“The time has come for a solution to be found,” Belgian Consumer Affairs Minister Rob Bienders told Sporza’s website.
“This is dramatic for Belgian football fans who want to watch Belgian football,” Bienders added.
The termination of the contract could also have serious consequences for the Belgian club, which relies on television rights to fund its budget.
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