Strike TV, a Slovak combat sport-focused channel, has broadened its content portfolio by acquiring the rights to broadcast Saudi Pro League (SPL) soccer matches live in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This move marks a significant diversification for Strike TV, which has primarily focused on combat sports since its inception.
The new deal grants Strike TV exclusive rights to air two live matches each round for the 2025-26 season. One of these games will feature commentary in Czech. The channel is accessible in Slovakia via operators Telekom and Digi. In contrast, Telly, OnePlay, and T-Mobile networks provide access to the channel in the Czech Republic.
This acquisition signifies a shift from Strike TV's traditional offering of combat sports such as mixed-martial arts (MMA), boxing, and wrestling since its launch in 2022.
From Comedy House to Sports channel
Strike TV was born out of rebranding Comedy House channel with an expanded offer that includes sports content like MMA matches and broadcasts from professional lumberjack competition STIHL Show Saw. It also features behind-the-scenes documentaries about WWE.
The announcement comes shortly after heavyweight sports marketing agency IMG renewed its agreement to distribute worldwide media rights for SPL for another four years. This extension builds upon their original agreement covering the 2023-24 and 2024-25 SPL seasons.
IMG will continue marketing and selling league’s rights globally through the 2028-29 campaign under this new deal. Since taking over distribution duties for SPL's international coverage has grown significantly with last season’s matches being aired across six continents on more than 43 global platforms reaching over 184 countries.
Recent deals secured by IMG
In addition to partnering with Strike TV, IMG has secured deals with several other broadcasters including ESPN (Africa), DAZN (DACH and France), Movistar (Spain), Fox Sports (USA, Mexico, LATAM, the Caribbean, and Central America), Globo (Brazil), Sportitalia (Italy) and ComoTV (Italy). French content creator Zack Nani also secured rights for France.
Last month, SporTV, a Brazilian pay-television operator owned by commercial broadcasting giant Globo acquired the broadcast rights to SPL ahead of the 2025-26 campaign which started on August 28.
Strike TV's acquisition of SPL rights marks an exciting new chapter in its content offering. It not only diversifies its portfolio but also provides sports fans in Slovakia and Czech Republic with access to live soccer matches from one of the world's most competitive leagues. This move is likely to attract a broader audience base for Strike TV while enhancing SPL's global reach.
