The deal will run from the 2020-21 season through to 2024-25

Eleven Sports has secured exclusive domestic rights to show the Belgian professional football leagues for the next five years.

It is the first time that the company has secured domestic rights for a competition.

The broadcaster has had a slightly rocky road to gaining the rights.

Juliper Pro League sides Gent and Antwerp originally refused to be a part of the deal as a result of a disagreement with the choice of rights holder and the distribution key respectively, but the former agreed last month. Finally, Antwerp followed suit last week, with new performance related revenue opportunities involved as a result.

Now Eleven Sports has completed the deal, and will be able to show First Division A, First Division B, women’s Super League, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup matches for the next five seasons.

Launched in Belgium in 2015, Eleven Sports has both TV channels and its OTT platform in the country. It will now focus on creating a network of TV and digital platforms to host Belgian football – and its Belgian football hub will be dedicated to the domestic game 24/7.

Executive chairman of Eleven Sports Group, Marc Watson, said: “In these uncertain times, we are pleased to have some positive news to share with Belgian football fans. This is the first time Eleven has secured the domestic rights to one of European football’s major leagues.”

“We are dedicated to continuing to work through these current challenges to bring the best content possible to our fans around the world.”

Guillaume Collard, Managing Director of Eleven Sports Belgium and Luxembourg and Group Head of Acquisitions, added: “The Pro League’s decision to grant us the rights to Belgian football for the next five years is an important moment for Eleven Sports Belgium. We are committed to delivering the best possible experience to fans, clubs and the Pro League, and playing our part in growing the Belgian game.

“We would like to thank the Pro League and the clubs for the efforts they have made over the past few weeks to bring everyone together around our ambitious project, in these difficult times.”

The Belgian proffessional football leagues are currently postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it is unknown when they will be able to return.

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