Facebook: "Traditional media rights deals - not compatible with our video business model" (Rob Shaw)

"We didn't bid to extend our UEFA Champions League and LaLiga agreements (both for the 2018-2021 cycle) in Latin America and India, respectively. We still have excellent partnerships with these leagues, but the reality is that traditional media rights deals like these aren't compatible with our current video business model. We also don't think they'll create the most sustainable value for the industry moving forward," said Rob Shaw, director of sports media & league partnerships at Facebook, to the US website Sportico on 03/03/2021.

"The industry is at a crossroads. Can leagues continue to cash the largest checks from broadcast networks knowing the nation's youth isn't tuning in? Can networks continue to write these checks knowing the number of households they reach is declining?" continued Rob Shaw.

"These are complicated questions, and while there aren't easy answers, it's clear that the historically lucrative broadcast business model needs to evolve, or risk losing an entire generation of fans. This topic is especially timely with the NFL closing in on its next round of media…