Belgian soccer clubs and fans face uncertainty as DAZN and Pro League end TV deal

BRUSSELS (AP) — Will Belgian soccer fans be able to watch their league’s matches this weekend? Uncertainty looms after the termination of the deal between streaming platform DAZN and the Pro League.

DAZN said on Tuesday that the contract was terminated following months of unfruitful negotiations as the company failed to conclude distribution agreements with Belgian operators — a requirement under the tender. As a result, matches were only available on the DAZN app, making the situation financially unsustainable for the rights holder.

“We are disappointed that, despite various attempts to resolve the situation, we have reached a point where DAZN has no choice but to acknowledge the termination of the contract under Belgian law,” said Massimo D’Amario, the managing director of DAZN Belgium, in a statement reported by local media.

The Pro League has not yet commented. In December 2024, the league awarded the domestic media rights for the 2025—2030 period to DAZN, in a deal expected to bring in at least 84.2 million euros ($97.3 million) per season.

DAZN said it remains open to further discussions with the Pro League to find a new arrangement and ensure that matches are broadcast for the remainder of the season.

Rob Beenders, the minister of Consumer Affairs, told Sporza website that “it is high time a solution was found.”

“This is dramatic for Belgian football fans who want to watch Belgian football,” Beenders added.

The termination of the contract could also have serious consequences for Belgian clubs, which rely on TV rights to secure their budgets.

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