In the face of escalating competition, Brazilian media giant Globo is making strategic moves to solidify its position in the football broadcasting landscape. The Rio-based company is entering a critical period in the second half of this year as it aims to retain one of its most valuable assets - football broadcasting rights.
The upcoming semester will witness the commencement of negotiations for a new cycle of Copa Libertadores matches broadcasting rights. Globo has already initiated preliminary discussions with CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) with an aim to extend beyond their current agreement.
Globo's strategy extends beyond traditional open-air broadcasting. The media conglomerate has expressed its intent to air Copa Libertadores matches on SporTV and Globoplay, thereby expanding its reach and offering more viewing options for fans.
Rising competition from record and SBT
This strategic positioning comes amidst growing interest from competitors Record and SBT in acquiring tournament rights. In the previous rights cycle, Silvio Santos' network was the holder of these coveted broadcasting rights.
For the upcoming season, Globo has secured an impressive lineup including broadcasting rights for state championships, the 2025 Brasileirão from the knockout stages, the Copa Libertadores, the Supercopa del Rey, and qualifiers.
These acquisitions are aimed at maintaining their dominance in sports programming despite increasing competition.
Record's flagship attraction & SBT's exclusive rights
In contrast, competitor Record has claimed the 2025 Paulistão as its flagship attraction among state tournaments along with several others and a portion of Brasileirão 2025. This move signifies their intent to challenge Globo’s dominance in football broadcast coverage.
Meanwhile, SBT has successfully renewed exclusive rights for another year on open TV for Champions League matches broadcasts. They have also secured similar terms for the broadcasting of the Copa Sudamericana, set to begin in April. This move further intensifies the competition in football broadcasting rights.
The second half of this year will be a critical period for Globo as it aims to retain its position amidst rising competition from Record and SBT. With strategic negotiations and acquisitions, Globo is making clear moves to maintain its dominance in football broadcasting. However, with competitors also making significant strides, it remains to be seen how this battle for viewership will unfold.
