GolTV, a prominent sports broadcaster, is currently under pressure to fulfill its financial obligations towards Ecuador's Serie A. The broadcaster's contract with the league is at risk due to delayed payments since September 2023. This article explores the situation in detail and discusses its potential implications for both parties.
In 2017, GolTV and Ecuador’s Serie A entered into a 10-year deal worth approximately $314 million. However, reports suggest that the necessary funds have not been transferred to the South American top-flight division since September of 2023. Consequently, Serie A officials have set a deadline of May 24th for GolTV to make the appropriate payments.
The ongoing delays have reportedly affected some teams' ability to pay their players. Officials from all 16 Serie A teams recently convened on May 9th to discuss what action should be taken regarding the broadcaster.
Proposed changes by GolTV President
Carlos Moyano, president of GolTV, has requested changes in terms of their deal and current league format from Ecuadorian Serie A executives. Moyano expressed concerns about declining subscribers and persistent piracy issues.
Nataly Villavicencio, president of Deportivo Cuenca, said:
“The priority is solutions. Lately, we haven’t been receiving anything, for the economy of all the clubs it’s a big blow not to have the television rights, they owe us seven months, it’s a significant value. We owe the players two months [wages].”
Moyano proposed that each club in Serie A play against each other four times per season - an unusual schedule last seen in Ecuador back in 2018 when two different seasons were held with every team playing home and away games during both campaigns.
Despite these unconventional demands, Miguel Angel Loor, president of Serie A defended GolTV assuring clubs that discussions would continue on this matter.
Upcoming matches remain on schedule
GolTV has experienced a significant decline over recent years despite being launched as far back as 2003 with broadcasting rights for LaLiga and Bundesliga matches under its belt initially. However now ESPN holds broadcasting rights for these popular European footbal leagues. GolTV also had rights to Argentina’s Primera Division, but Paramount+ recently purchased the streaming rights to this South American league.
Currently, GolTV is home to Portugal’s Primeira Liga matches and Ecuadorian Serie A. The sports channel is available on Fanatiz, Fubo, and other select cable providers. Despite the ongoing dispute, upcoming Serie A matches will continue to be broadcasted on GolTV for now. Cuenca is set to host Imbabura on Friday, May 17th. If a deal isn't reached by both parties soon, broadcasting may face disruptions in the second half of the season.
While negotiations are ongoing between GolTV and Ecuador's Serie A officials regarding payment issues and proposed scheduling changes; fans can still enjoy their favorite matches for now. However, it remains crucial for both parties involved in this dispute to find a resolution soon for the sake of teams' financial stability and uninterrupted broadcasting.
