Spanish production agency, Mediapro, has announced its withdrawal and full retraction from contesting the decision by Spanish soccer's top-tier LaLiga to award its next broadcast production services contract to Host Broadcast Services (HBS).
Mediapro initially contested the decision, claiming that the selection process was marked by a lack of transparency. The company had stated that LaLiga's choices "will undoubtedly harm the clubs and the competition both economically and in broadcast quality." However, in a recent statement, Mediapro admitted that these claims were not substantiated and stemmed from a premature assessment of the tender process. The company clarified that it had no grounds to assert that LaLiga's decision was arbitrary or lacked objectivity. It also retracted any suggestion that the tender process lacked transparency or was marked by secrecy. The firm expressed regret for making such speculative conclusions.
LaLiga selected HBS and Telefonica Services Audiovisuales (TSA) as production partners for itself and second-tier Segunda Division for five seasons following a selection process initiated last September. Out of five lots available, HBS will form a joint venture with Italian broadcast production firm NVP to serve as the production company for LaLiga and Segunda Division (lots 1 & 2), as well as MCR and centralized services (lot 3).
The entire selection process involved Abacanto, an audiovisual technology consultancy which evaluated applications on technical grounds.
Mediapro’s continued association with La Liga
Despite this setback in domestic broadcasting rights, Mediapro continues to hold international distribution rights for La Liga matches through till 2028-29 season. This deal excludes North America, Middle East, and North Africa regions.
Initially threatening to "contest the outcome of the tender process through all available channels," both nationally & internationally, Mediapro has now backed down from this assertion. The company reaffirmed its respect for the integrity of the tender process and all parties involved.
Mediapro's retraction signifies a significant shift in its stance towards LaLiga's decision to award HBS with the next broadcast production services contract. While it initially contested the decision, citing lack of transparency and potential harm to clubs and competition, it has now withdrawn these claims. This development underscores Mediapro's commitment to maintaining a respectful relationship with LaLiga and other stakeholders in Spanish soccer broadcasting.
