Poland's top-tier league, Ekstraklasa, will continue to enjoy free-to-air coverage for the next three seasons. This follows an extended sub-licensing agreement between TVP, the Polish public-service broadcaster, and pay-TV’s Canal Plus.
Announced on the eve of the new campaign, this deal covers the 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. As part of this arrangement, TVP will broadcast matches free-to-air in one of two regular slots – either Saturday or Sunday at 5:30 pm. These slots often feature the most anticipated Ekstraklasa game each weekend.
The opening weekend coverage for the new season kicked off with a fixture of Lech Poznań vs Górnik Zabrze on Sunday (July 21).
Tomasz Sygut, general director of TVP, said:
“We are extremely pleased with the terms of the agreement and the continued cooperation with Canal+. Ekstraklasa is the essence of Polish football, and Telewizja Polska, as a public broadcaster, is tasked with delivering the most important sports events to a wide audience.”
Structure of the deal for Canal Plus and TVP
Canal Plus retained its rights over Ekstraklasa matches for four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27 through a deal worth PLN1.3 billion ($330.3 million), or PLN325 million per year. This agreement was unveiled in October 2022.
TVP has returned to sub-license games throughout an entire Ekstraklasa season after only agreeing on a deal with Canal Plus midway through the previous campaign that covered just fifteen games. The two parties had been unable to agree on fresh terms for several months after their previous sub-license expired at the end of season in 2022–23.
In addition to linear broadcasting, live games will be made available on various digital platforms including TVP's mobile app. Furthermore, TVP plans to cover an Ekstraklasa-focused highlights show where viewers can catch up with goals and other highlights from all games across the 18-team league.
TVP's extended football coverage
TVP's commitment to football coverage extends beyond the Ekstraklasa league. In October last year, TVP announced a four-year deal with the Polish Football Association that significantly broadens its football programming. This agreement includes coverage of the Polish Cup and Polish Super Cup competitions, which are major events in Poland's football calendar.
Additionally, TVP will broadcast matches from the women’s top-tier Orlen Ekstraliga and the final of the Orlen Polish Cup, further diversifying its sports content. The deal also encompasses second and third-tier I Liga and II Liga matches men’s leagues, ensuring fans have access to a wide range of domestic football action.
These agreements solidify TVP's position as a key player in broadcasting football in Poland until at least 2027, promising sports fans comprehensive coverage of their favorite teams and matches for years to come.
