At a Glance
- DAZN will keep broadcasting Belgian soccer until the end of the season after emergency arbitration.
- The platform had to let its contract expire under Belgian law because distribution conditions could not be met.
- In December 2024, the Pro League awarded rights for 2025-2030 to DAZN, worth at least €84.2 million per season.
- Why it matters: Fans, clubs, and Belgian football benefit from continued coverage.
DAZN confirmed it will continue producing and broadcasting Pro League content this season after the emergency arbitrator (CEPANI) ruled that it must honour its contractual obligations, despite the decision being confidential.
Arbitration Outcome
The Pro League said the ruling requires DAZN to:
- continue making payments as contractually agreed;
- provide production and broadcasting of matches;
- comply with anti-piracy measures and geo-blocking provisions;
- negotiate with telecom operators to conclude distribution agreements.
Financial & Contractual Context
In December 2024, the rights deal for 2025-2030 is expected to bring at least €84.2 million per season.
Lorin Parys said:
> “The winners of this ruling are our fans, our clubs and Belgian football as a whole.”
Massimo D’Amario said:
> “The interim measures ordered by CEPANI, including on interim payments, do not pass any judgment on DAZN’s legal position in the ongoing dispute with the Pro League. DAZN remains convinced the CEPANI arbitration panel that will be constituted in the coming weeks will rule that the original contract ended lawfully. DAZN expects the arbitration panel to rule also on important issues of compliance with competition law.”
After DAZN failed to conclude distribution agreements with Belgian operators, matches are only available on the company’s app, a situation the rights holder said is financially unsustainable.
Key Takeaways
- DAZN will continue broadcasting until season’s end despite arbitration.
- The Pro League’s 2025-2030 rights deal is worth €84.2 million per season.
- The dispute centers on distribution agreements and legal interpretations of the contract.
DAZN’s decision to keep Belgian soccer on its platform ensures fans and clubs have uninterrupted coverage while the legal and contractual battles continue.
