Full Breakdown
DAZN Ordered to Continue Broadcasting Belgian Pro League Matches
12/31/2025, 10:34:56 PM
Arbitration Ruling Mandates Compliance
DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has been ordered to continue broadcasting Jupiler Pro League matches and fulfill all contractual obligations until the end of the current season. This decision was made by Belgium's Centre for Arbitration and Mediation (CEPANI) following a dispute that arose when DAZN announced its intention to terminate the contract in late November 2024. The company cited an inability to secure financially viable distribution agreements with local telecom operators, which it claimed made the contract unsustainable.
Despite continuing to broadcast matches, DAZN withheld a payment of €6.6 million due in November, prompting the Pro League to initiate emergency arbitration proceedings. The ruling requires DAZN to pay all outstanding and future installments, implement agreed anti-piracy and geo-blocking measures, and negotiate with telecom operators to finalize distribution agreements. The total cost for DAZN to honor the contract for the remainder of the season is estimated at approximately €53 million.
Background of the Dispute
In December 2024, the Pro League awarded DAZN the domestic media rights for the 2025-2030 period in a deal valued at €84.2 million per season. However, DAZN's failure to secure distribution agreements with Belgian networks such as Proximus and Telenet left the matches available only through its app, a model deemed financially unviable by the company. This situation led to DAZN's unilateral termination of the contract, which the Pro League contested.
Official Statements & Responses
Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League, welcomed the arbitration ruling, stating, "The winners of this ruling are our fans, our clubs, and Belgian football as a whole." He emphasized the importance of DAZN's compliance with its contractual obligations, which include production, distribution, and negotiations with telecom operators.
Massimo D’Amario, CEO of DAZN Belgium, noted that while the interim measures do not pass judgment on DAZN's legal position, the company remains confident that the arbitration panel will ultimately rule that the original contract ended lawfully. He stated, “DAZN will continue to produce and broadcast Pro League matches as it has been doing over the past months.”
Criticism & Opposition
The ruling has been viewed as a significant victory for the Pro League, but it also highlights the precarious position of DAZN in the European sports broadcasting market. The company has faced criticism for its handling of contracts, including a previous situation in France where it terminated a deal with Ligue 1 after just one season, leading to dissatisfaction among clubs. This history raises concerns about DAZN's commitment to fulfilling its obligations in Belgium.
What's Next
The arbitration tribunal is expected to convene in spring 2026 to address the broader issues surrounding the dispute, including compliance with competition law and the future of DAZN's broadcasting rights in Belgium. Until then, the current ruling remains in effect, ensuring that DAZN must continue its broadcasting and payment commitments to the Pro League.
