LaLiga TV rights: "Telefonica is in a strong position, negotiations could last for months" (P. Maes)

"Telefonica (which owns the rights to 90% of LaLiga Santander matches over the 2019-2022 cycle) is in a strong position and seems to be on a hard negotiation strategy, otherwise LaLiga would not have made such a complex call for tenders. A (secret) reserve price has been set and I wouldn't be surprised if it is not reached. There is a good chance that we are heading towards a scenario similar to the Serie A, with a negotiation phase lasting several months after the tender," said Pierre Maes, consultant and author of the book "Le business des droits TV du football" ("The Business of Football TV Rights"), to News Tank Football, on 05/11/2021.

LaLiga launched its call for tenders for LaLiga Santander broadcasting rights, in Spain (exclusive) and Andorra (non-exclusive), from the 2022-23 season, for a duration of three (until 2024-25), four (until 2025-26) or five seasons (until 2026-27) on 03/11/2021. This tender includes seven options and interested candidates may respond to one or more options. The deadline for the submission of bids is 13/12/2021.

"I imagine that Telefonica will want…