Telefónica’s Bold Move to Reclaim Football Rights
Telefónica is set to bet everything on football as it shifts gears in its sports broadcasting approach. After losing the rights to prominent competitions such as the ACB, NBA, and NFL, the telecommunications giant is now striving to acquire all broadcasting rights for LaLiga and the Champions League. This strategic maneuver aims to reduce dependency on DAZN and stem the exodus of premium subscribers.
A Change of Course
According to reports from El Confidencial, Javier de Paz, president of Movistar, has expressed intentions to bid independently for LaLiga’s broadcasting rights for the next three seasons commencing from 2026-2027. This strategy will also extend to the Champions League, which has rights that terminate a year earlier. This represents a significant pivot from previous agreements wherein Telefónica and DAZN shared broadcasting responsibilities. Interestingly, Telefónica viewed the collaborative arrangement as a success, managing to save approximately €420 million annually.
Why This Move Is Urgent
Movistar’s current financials are troubling. Recent reports indicate that the platform’s subscriber base has shrunk from four million to 3.6 million by the end of June. Alarmingly, this includes a loss of 600,000 customers who switched to the low-cost Movistar Plus+, launched in 2024 at just €9.90 per month. This significant transition has reduced average revenue per user, pushing the operator to lose profitable customers who previously paid over €100 for comprehensive sports coverage.
Loss of Key Broadcasting Rights
Movistar’s challenges are compounded by its recent loss of significant broadcasting rights, prompting increasing concerns within the company. The ACB, which had a decade-long exclusive partnership with Movistar, now belongs to DAZN and TVE after the company refused to meet the €20 million asking price, offering only €12 million. Similarly, rights to NBA games have transitioned to Prime Video, with Movistar retaining only a few games and playoff access. Furthermore, the NFL, which had previously included exclusive access to the Super Bowl, has also left the platform.
A Survival Strategy
Faced with such grim prospects, Movistar has rolled out desperate measures to maintain its user base. This includes promotional offers priced at €4.99 for three months and full access to LaLiga Hypermotion. The company is also acquiring rights to Latin American competitions, including the Argentine Professional League and the Brasileirão. However, these additions are seen as inadequate compensations for the high-profile losses the company has incurred.
Obstacles on the Road Ahead
Complicating Telefónica’s plans, Javier Tebas has stated that LaLiga must ensure transparency and allow a larger pool of bidders to enter the auction, which would raise the price of the rights. This assertion aligns with the ongoing pressure from Real Madrid, where club president Florentino Pérez has already lodged multiple complaints regarding LaLiga’s award model. The tender process is set to commence in September, and given DAZN’s backing by financier Len Blavatnik, the competition is expected to be fierce.
As Telefónica pivots toward reclaiming its foothold in the football broadcasting space, the upcoming months will reveal whether this strategy can successfully reverse its current subscriber losses and restore its position in a rapidly changing sports media landscape. The objective is clear; regain what has been lost, cater to an evolving audience, and emerge more resilient than ever.
Cover image: Movistar Plus+ and DAZN
For detailed viewing options for LaLiga EA Sports 25/26, check our previous articles, and stay tuned for updates.