Belgian top-tier Pro League is set to return to the Orange Belgium telecoms platform, following a new distribution deal struck by rightsholder DAZN with the operator. This agreement marks a significant step in DAZN's efforts to expand its coverage of the Pro League.
DAZN has already agreed on similar deals with fellow operators Telenet and Proximus. The latest agreement ensures that DAZN’s Pro League coverage, along with its broader sports portfolio, will be distributed via linear channels on the Orange TV service. Two channels will focus on the Pro League while two others will house DAZN’s international soccer rights slate and content from their own app.
Orange Belgium chief consumer officer, Christophe, said:
“We are very pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with DAZN to once again offer Belgian football to our customers. We know how important this is to our subscribers, and we are delighted to be able to offer them not only their favorite local competitions, but also the best of European football. Fans will once again be able to enjoy the biggest competitions – from Belgian fixtures to major European fixtures – via Orange TV.”
In addition to local leagues, OTT streamer DAZN also holds rights in Belgium for Europe’s ‘big five’ soccer leagues: English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spain’s LaLiga, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1.
Early access for Orange customers
Although this agreement officially begins with the 2026-27 campaign kicking off on August 7th, Orange Belgium customers will gain early access. They can watch select fixtures from the final two gameweeks of this season's Pro League including key matches involving Club Brugge and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG).
This development follows months of uncertainty over DAZN's long-term contract with top-flight league due to failed negotiations for carriage agreements this season. Last November saw an abrupt end to their five-year contract as they were unable to secure at least two other distribution partners for its coverage as per original terms.
The lack of wider distribution led matches this season being available only via the DAZN platform which resulted in legal action by The Belgian Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CEPANI). The streaming giant was ordered to continue covering the league until the end of 2025-26 season and pay remaining rights fees.
Constructive approach for wider coverage
As part of CEPANI's ruling, DAZN was instructed to reopen negotiations over wider coverage with telecoms firms. Proximus described these negotiations as “intensive” but adopted a constructive approach to reach a sustainable agreement.
The goal is to ensure that Belgian football remains widely accessible, catering not only to tech-savvy fans but also those who prefer traditional linear television channels. This deal marks Orange’s return to the Pro League fold after more than two decades, having first broadcasted the league in 2005-06.
This new distribution deal between DAZN and Orange Belgium signifies a promising future for sports broadcasting in Belgium. It ensures wider access for fans while maintaining an engaging viewing experience across multiple platforms.
