DAZN Scores Major Win as Liga ACB Shifts from Movistar, Signaling a New Era for Sports Broadcasting
The value of live sports rights is undergoing a dramatic recalibration. In a move that underscores the growing power of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Spain’s Liga ACB basketball league is ending its long-term partnership with Movistar, opting instead for a multi-year deal with DAZN. This isn’t just a change of broadcaster; it’s a bellwether for how sports leagues are prioritizing reach and accessibility – even if it means accepting a short-term revenue dip.
The Shifting Landscape of Sports Rights
For years, traditional pay-TV giants like Movistar held a firm grip on premium sports content. However, the rise of streaming services like DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ has disrupted this model. These platforms aren’t necessarily aiming for immediate profitability through rights fees alone. Instead, they view sports as a powerful subscriber acquisition tool, a ‘loss leader’ to build a loyal user base that will then engage with other content and services. The Liga ACB deal, reportedly worth €14-14.5 million annually – significantly less than Movistar’s €20 million – exemplifies this shift.
Free-to-Air Return: A Strategic Play for Wider Reach
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the DAZN agreement is the commitment to broadcast one Liga ACB match per week on free-to-air television. This marks a return to the pre-2016-17 model and signals a deliberate effort to broaden the league’s audience. DAZN is reportedly in talks with RTVE, Spain’s public broadcaster, to facilitate this. This strategy isn’t about maximizing immediate revenue; it’s about cultivating a larger fanbase, increasing brand awareness, and potentially attracting a new generation of basketball enthusiasts. The league recognizes that a wider audience translates to long-term growth, even if it means accepting a lower upfront payment.
The Regional Broadcast Factor
The potential return of regional broadcasters further emphasizes this focus on accessibility. Prior to the Movistar exclusivity deal, regional networks played a crucial role in Liga ACB coverage. Re-engaging these partners could provide hyper-local coverage and further expand the league’s reach within specific communities. This decentralized approach contrasts sharply with the centralized model favored by Movistar and reflects a growing understanding of the importance of catering to diverse viewing habits.
What This Means for Movistar and the Broader Market
This deal is undoubtedly a blow to Movistar, which has heavily invested in its sports portfolio, recently securing rights to the EuroLeague. While Movistar still boasts a strong content offering, losing the Liga ACB weakens its position in the competitive Spanish sports market. The company’s strategy of building an “unmatched content offering” is now facing a significant challenge.
For DAZN, the Liga ACB acquisition is a major win. It solidifies the platform’s position as a key player in Spanish sports broadcasting, complementing its existing rights to LaLiga soccer and other prominent competitions. DAZN’s CEO, Oscar Vilda, recently stated the streamer expects to reach profitability in Spain and Portugal “this year or as early as 2026,” and securing the Liga ACB rights is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. The move demonstrates DAZN’s willingness to invest strategically in key sports properties to drive subscriber growth and market share.
The Future of Sports Rights: Fragmentation and the Rise of the Superfan
The Liga ACB-DAZN deal is indicative of a broader trend: the fragmentation of sports rights. Leagues are increasingly exploring multiple broadcast partners to maximize reach and revenue. This means fans may need to subscribe to multiple streaming services to follow their favorite teams and leagues. This trend will likely accelerate as more leagues seek to diversify their revenue streams and reach new audiences.
However, this fragmentation also presents an opportunity for platforms to cater to the “superfan” – the highly engaged viewer willing to pay a premium for comprehensive coverage, exclusive content, and personalized experiences. Platforms that can successfully identify and serve this segment will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving sports broadcasting landscape. The key will be offering value beyond just the live game, such as in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes access, and interactive features.
What impact will this shift have on smaller leagues and sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
