Spanish pay-TV giant, Movistar+, has inked a new sublicense agreement with the country's public service network, RTVE. The deal will see Movistar+ broadcast games from the popular soccer tournament, Copa del Rey.
Under this new agreement, Movistar+ is set to showcase at least 55 Copa del Rey fixtures throughout the ongoing 2025-26 season. This coverage will commence from the second round of the tournament. However, it's important to note that RTVE will retain broadcasting rights for top pick matches in each round while all other fixtures will be showcased by Movistar+.
In addition to this arrangement for subsequent rounds, both parties have agreed to split first-round fixtures. As such, 15 games are slated for airing on Movistar+, with RTVE taking up the top pick.
Semi-Final and Final broadcasting rights
Once their quota of 55 games is met, both broadcasters plan on simulcasting semi-final matches. However, decisions regarding broadcasting rights for finals are still pending. This sublicensing deal comes hot on heels after RTVE secured a two-year contract with RFEF (the governing body organizing Copa del Rey) as main package holder through till the end of 2026-27 campaign.
Interestingly enough, it was actually RTVE who succeeded in replacing previous rights holder - none other than our current sublicensee -Movistar+. The latter had held these rights between 2022 and 2025.
The tender process for these coveted broadcasting rights was managed by LaLiga on behalf of RFEF national federation. They had set an October deadline which saw an impressive increase in value compared to previous cycles – a whopping rise of about €20 million or approximately a hike of about15%.
Copa del Rey tender
LaLiga had initially gone to market with the Copa del Rey tender at the start of this month, making six lots available. Lot 1, which was awarded to RTVE, was split into four options covering live rights. Lots 2, 3 and 5 covered game summary rights while Lot 4 offered broadcasters live rights for preliminary phase games. Lastly, Lot 6 contained exclusive broadcasting rights for public establishments.
Last season saw Barcelona clinch victory in the Copa del Rey final by defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid with a scoreline of 3-2. Both these clubs along with Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao will compete in the Spanish Super Cup competition and hence will enter at a later round in the Copa del Rey.
This new sublicensing agreement between Movistar+ and RTVE is sure to bring an exciting season of football action right into fans' homes.
