The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has made a landmark announcement, revealing its most lucrative media rights deal to date. The agreement, which encompasses television, marketing, betting and data rights, is set to commence from the 2026/27 season and is valued at a record €59.2 million.
Following a public tender process, the HNS Executive Committee evaluated all proposals before selecting Croatian Telecom and SuperSport as their new partners for the upcoming cycle. Croatian Telecom has been granted television broadcasting rights in an impressive five-year deal worth €49.2 million. This contract will run until the conclusion of the 2030/31 season.
On the other hand, SuperSport will manage marketing, betting, and data rights in an agreement valued at €10 million over four years. This arrangement will last until the end of 2029/30 season with an option for a two-year extension included.
Testament to the value of Croatian club football
HNS President Marijan Kustić expressed his satisfaction with this development stating that it confirms "the strong value of Croatian club football". He noted that they launched this tender during what many consider being one of HNL's most thrilling seasons marked by record attendance and viewership figures.
Kustić also pointed out that while media rights values are stagnating or even declining in some leagues globally due to various factors such as economic downturns or changes in viewing habits; Croatia has managed to secure its biggest deal ever worth nearly €60 million which he believes will be crucial for ensuring financial stability among clubs.
Kustić lauded both Croatian Telecom and SuperSport for their ongoing commitment towards enhancing Croatian football's growth trajectory. He described them as "reliable" partners who have played constructive roles in recent years. In addition to the financial aspects, Kustić highlighted that the new agreement includes planned investments in pitch quality and stadium infrastructure. These areas have been identified as key elements for further development of Croatian football.
Comparisons with previous agreements
The current agreement, which began in 2022, secured €44 million over four years. This included €36 million for television rights and €8 million for marketing and betting rights. The new deal represents a significant increase from these figures, demonstrating the growing value and popularity of Croatian football both domestically and internationally.
This record-breaking deal is a testament to the rising prominence of Croatian football on a global scale. It not only provides financial stability but also paves the way for future growth through investment in infrastructure improvements.
