Despite initial attempts to terminate the contract early, sports streaming service DAZN has committed to broadcasting Belgian soccer’s Pro League until at least the end of the 2026-27 season. This development comes after months of uncertainty over DAZN's long-term contract with the top-flight Pro League.
In November last year, less than a year into their five-year contract, DAZN's deal with the league came to an abrupt halt. The termination was due to DAZN failing to secure at least two other distribution partners for its coverage as stipulated in their original agreement.
The terms of this original deal required that wider distribution be guaranteed through two or more other partners. These partners would help bring action from the 16-team Pro League to a broader audience. However, negotiations between DAZN and several telecommunications operators in Belgium (including Proximus, Telenet, and Orange) proved fruitless. As no agreement was reached, matches are currently available only via the DAZN platform.
Legal action ensures continuation of coverage
In the wake of the deadlock and DAZN's subsequent declaration that their contract was null and void, legal proceedings were initiated. In January this year, a directive from the Belgian Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CEPANI) demanded that DAZN, the streaming behemoth, must persist in covering league matches until at least the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Furthermore, it was mandated to settle all remaining dues for rights through to the end of 2026. The ruling also urged DAZN to recommence negotiations for broader coverage with telecom firms. This verdict ensured that despite persistent tensions among involved parties; uninterrupted broadcasting of Belgian top-flight soccer will continue in near term.
DAZN renegotiated its media rights agreement with the league in 2024, extending the deal for another five years but at a lower figure of €84.2 million (at that time, $99.7 million) per season. This was a significant drop from their previous five-year contract which was worth €103 million annually. The Pro League season for 2025-26 is set to conclude on May 24th, and despite all hurdles faced so far, DAZN's commitment ensures that fans will continue to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of their favorite sport.
