LaLiga: competition authority makes report to adjust the bidding for TV rights of 2016-2019 cycle

The CNMC has given its report of LaLiga on the subject of bidding for the audiovisual rights for the Liga BBVA, the Liga Adelante and the Copa del Rey for the 2016-2019 period, on 26/05/2016. The authority expressed reservations about certain lots remaining to be awarded (see details below):

• Matchdays 37 and 38 - the last two matchdays of the season - should be treated separately and broadcast only on free-TV (amendment of Lot 1).
• Increasing the number of Copa del Rey games broadcast on pay-TV (Lot 2) violates the decree-law 5/2015, and is contrary to the law of competition.
• LaLiga must specify the evaluation criteria of the financial offers for Lots 2 and 4.

The tender for the domestic audiovisual rights to the Liga BBVA, Liga Adelante and Copa del Rey for the 2016-2019 cycle, launched by the LaLiga on 13/11/2015, contains four lots reserved for free-TV, one lot which can be acquired by a free-TV or pay-TV operator, three lots reserved for pay-TV, and two lots dedicated to digital distribution platforms.

A new tender for the remaining seven lots, initiated on 01/06/2016…