Spanish football's top-tier league, LaLiga, has announced Host Broadcast Services (HBS) and Telefonica Services Audiovisuales (TSA) as its new broadcast production partners. The firms will take up their roles from the start of the 2025-26 season through to the end of the 2029-30 campaign. LaLiga unveiled that after a selection process that began in September last year, its management control body for audiovisual rights ratified these new partnerships. They will replace Mediapro, the current production partner.
Out of five lots available, HBS has been selected for three: LaLiga and Segunda Division production (lots 1 and 2), as well as MCR and centralized services (lot 3). This is in addition to HBS' existing portfolio of top-tier soccer production rights which includes every FIFA World Cup national team competition since 2002, UEFA Champions League coverage, African Cup of Nations broadcasts among others.
On the other hand, TSA secured rights to lot 4 - contribution and distribution - due to its key technical expertise in international communications. TSA boasts experience across competitions such as Spanish soccer’s Copa del Rey tournament and Olympic Games coverage.
Unallocated lot
Lot 5 covers content generation but remains unallocated after LaLiga assessed received offers. The league stated that these services would be integrated with other content projects not involved in this tender.
The entire selection process involved Abacanto—an audiovisual technology consultancy—which evaluated applications on a technical basis. According to LaLiga's statement, evaluation considered "technical, operational, economic aspects," with chosen companies achieving highest scores across all criteria combined. The league claimed this overall process "reinforces its innovation and continuous improvement in audiovisual production."
Dan Miodownik, HBS chief executive, said:
"We are very proud of our track record globally, and entering a new territory and partnership with such an esteemed client is an exciting opportunity. Along with NVP, we look forward to working with LaLiga to bring innovative and engaging coverage to audiences over the coming years."
Ongoing media rights tenders
LaLiga is currently conducting multiple media rights tenders for the next cycle. Early March saw processes begin in three major markets: Belgium and Luxembourg, the DACH countries (Austria, Germany, Switzerland), Luxembourg and Liechtenstein, and the UK and Ireland.
Mediapro still holds international distribution rights for LaLiga through 2028-29. However, this deal excludes North America, Middle East, and North Africa.
The new partnerships with HBS and TSA mark a significant shift in LaLiga's broadcast production strategy. As sports fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2025-26 season, these changes promise to bring about an enhanced viewing experience that aligns with LaLiga's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in audiovisual production.
