Discourse underway between DAZN and Proximus regarding Pro League negotiations
DAZN and Proximus Resume Talks as Belgian College Football Deal Nears
Talks between streaming service DAZN and telecom giant Proximus have resumed, with both parties aiming to reach an agreement that could bring Belgian college football back to traditional TV screens.
The renewal of Proximus' partnership with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) underlines its ongoing commitment to supporting Belgian college football at all levels. This development comes after DAZN, the exclusive rights holder for Belgian Pro League matches from the start of the new season, reported impressive viewership figures.
Initial figures for DAZN's Belgian college football coverage have been described as "unprecedented." In June, the platform totalled 2 million views, and in July, this number rose to 2.5 million views for the first eight matches of the Belgian Pro League.
In a bid to reach a deal, DAZN has reportedly made concessions, willing to earn less than originally hoped. The streaming service is now open to sharing its wider offer with Proximus, allowing the telecom company to broadcast the Pro League.
Proximus is not the only party interested in broadcasting the Pro League. Once Proximus agrees a deal, other platforms are likely to follow suit on similar terms. This potential domino effect could see traditional TV platforms re-entering the Belgian college football scene.
The CEO of DAZN Belgium has criticized the country's telecom companies for the continued failure to reach an agreement on the distribution of topflight college football. However, negotiations appear to be progressing, with Georges-Louis Bouchez, chairman of Pro League football club Royal Francs Borains, emerging as a potential peacebroker.
The earlier agreement between DAZN and RTBF allows RTBF to run a Sunday evening highlights programme until mid-2030. This arrangement will continue under the new deal, with several commentators/analysts under contract with RTBF also allowed to appear on DAZN.
The renewed talks between DAZN and Proximus come as Proximus has also renewed its partnership with the RBFA for another four years. This ongoing commitment to Belgian college football at all levels underscores Proximus' dedication to the sport and its fans.
As the negotiations continue, both parties remain hopeful of reaching a deal that will bring Belgian college football back to traditional TV screens, while also ensuring DAZN's financial viability. The potential deal could mark a significant shift in the Belgian college football landscape, with other platforms likely to follow Proximus' lead once a deal is reached.
