Dubai Sports, a leading broadcaster in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Dutch soccer's top-tier Eredivisie for the next three seasons. This deal spans the 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 campaigns of the Dutch soccer league.
The agreement was unveiled earlier this week and marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting across MENA regions. Last season, fans could watch live games of the 18-team Eredivisie via Starzplay pay-TV broadcaster under a one-season deal. However, with this new arrangement, Dubai Sports will provide exclusive coverage of these exciting seasons.
This development is particularly noteworthy given that many iconic Eredivisie players hail from countries within the MENA region. Currently contracted players include twelve Moroccans as well as several others from Algeria, Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Extension of international rights tie-up
The recent deal follows an extension between Eredivisie and heavyweight sports agency IMG last October. The agency has been responsible for selling global media rights to the Dutch league for over two decades now. This five-season extension further solidifies their relationship.
In terms of other European soccer properties' broadcast rights in MENA regions: StarzPlay is currently showing this season's Italian Serie A; Qatari broadcaster BeIN covers France's Ligue 1 through to 2029; Spain's LaLiga is also covered by BeIN through to 2027-28.
Domestically speaking though - ESPN sports broadcaster will continue providing live coverage of Eredivisie matches until at least 2030 for Dutch audiences with free-to-air highlights provided by public-service broadcaster NOS.
Eredivisie 2024-25 season update
As the season draws to a close, Ajax currently sits at the top of the Eredivisie table, seven points ahead of PSV Eindhoven. However, with a handful of games left and PSV having one game in hand, it's still all to play for.
This new deal between Dubai Sports and Eredivisie is set to bring Dutch soccer closer to its MENA fans. It not only enhances the viewing experience but also strengthens ties between these regions and their shared love for soccer.
