Italian Football Faces Uncertain Future as DAZN and Sky Secure Serie A Broadcasting Rights
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has expressed his concerns over the future of Italian football after streaming services DAZN and Sky secured the rights to broadcast live Serie A matches for the next five seasons. The bidding process saw Italian clubs approve offers totaling at least €4.5 billion (£3.91 billion), with DAZN and Sky emerging as the winners.
After four months of negotiations, Serie A clubs gathered in Milan to evaluate the final proposals presented by DAZN and Sky. The agreements reached will see DAZN pay €700 million (£609.4 million) per season to broadcast all 10 Serie A games until 2029, while Sky will contribute an additional €200 million (£174 million) per season to screen three matches every weekend.
The majority of Serie A clubs, seventeen out of twenty, supported the proposal. However, Napoli owner De Laurentiis strongly opposed the decision, stating that it would be detrimental to Italian football. He criticized both DAZN and Sky, claiming that they lack competence and do not act in the best interest of Italian football. De Laurentiis emphasized the importance of investments and the fans as the true assets of Italian football.
Media rights play a significant role in the financial stability of Serie A teams and the league itself. Currently, broadcasting opportunities generate half of the revenues for Serie A clubs. However, compared to England’s Premier League, Serie A lags behind in terms of income from broadcasting rights.
Under the current three-year agreement, which is set to expire in June next year, Serie A earns approximately €930 million (£809.6 million) annually from the sale of its broadcasting rights in Italy, with DAZN holding the majority share. This new deal represents a significant increase in revenue for Italian football.
It is worth noting that Serie A matches are currently accessible worldwide. In 2021, BT Sport, now known as TNT Sport, acquired the broadcasting rights to stream Italian league games until 2023-24. Additionally, American viewers can watch matches through CBS, who secured the league’s broadcast rights from ESPN in a reported three-year deal worth $75 million (£61.4 million) per season.
The acquisition of broadcasting rights by DAZN and Sky raises questions about the future accessibility of Serie A matches and the potential impact on the league’s global fanbase. With the new deal, it remains to be seen how these streaming services will distribute the matches and whether they will continue to make them available internationally.
The concerns raised by De Laurentiis reflect the importance of striking a balance between financial gains and the overall health of Italian football. While increased revenue from broadcasting rights is undoubtedly beneficial for the clubs, it is crucial to ensure that the sport remains accessible to fans worldwide.
Italian football has a rich history and a passionate fanbase that extends beyond its borders. The global appeal of Serie A relies on the ability of fans around the world to watch their favorite teams and players in action. Any restrictions or limitations on access to matches could potentially alienate fans and have long-term consequences for the popularity and growth of Italian football.
As the new broadcasting agreements come into effect, it is essential for DAZN and Sky to prioritize the interests of both Italian and international fans. Finding a balance between financial success and maintaining the global reach of Serie A will be crucial in ensuring the continued growth and success of Italian football.
In conclusion, the recent acquisition of Serie A broadcasting rights by DAZN and Sky has sparked concerns about the future of Italian football. While the increased revenue is a positive development for clubs, it is essential to consider the impact on fans and the accessibility of matches. Striking a balance between financial gains and the global appeal of Serie A will be crucial in shaping the future of Italian football.