Spain: Mediapro assigns the distribution of beIN Sports to Telefonica until 2019 for €2.4bn

The Spanish broadcaster Mediapro has assigned the distribution of its future pay-TV channel beIN Sports La Liga to Movistar+, the pay-TV platform of the Spanish telecommunications operator Telefonica, on 12/01/2016. The tender for the distribution of beIN Sports La Liga was launched by Mediapro on 18/12/2015. All Spanish pay-TV operators applied for the rights, said the broadcaster.

The agreement covers the 2016-2019 cycle, in which beIN Sports La Liga will exclusively broadcast eight games of each Liga BBVA matchday, including one game involving Real Madrid CF or FC Barcelona. Moreover, the channel will broadcast one 'El Clasico' fixture each season. Mediapro acquired these rights for €1.9bn over three seasons (€633m per season) on 02/12/2015.

In addition, Movistar+ and Mediapro have reached an agreement for the distribution of the beIN Sports channel, which owns all of the broadcast rights in Spain for the Champions League and Europa League for the 2015 to 2018 period. The distribution agreement covers the remainder of the 2015-16 season, as well as the full 2016-17 and 2017-18…