It has agreed deals with betting outfit bwin and public broadcaster RTBF
Eleven Sports has announced two new deals for its Belgian arm ahead of the new Belgian Pro League season, with betting company bwin and public broadcaster RTBF.
The broadcaster recently agreed a deal to show all Pro League competitions – 1A, 1B, Women Super League, the Cup league, the Super Cup, and the E-Pro League – for the next five seasons (2020-2025).
Now, as the OTT provider is on the cusp of beginning that deal, it has revealed two partnerships as a part of the coverage. First of all, bwin is the new betting partner of the Pro League and Eleven Sports for the next three seasons, with three competitions – the Jupiler Pro League, D1B and the Supercup – covered by the agreement.
Guillame Collard, managing director of Eleven Sports Belgium and Luxembourg, said of the deal: “We welcome bwin to the ‘Home of Belgian Football’, our innovative project for Belgian football. We look forward to working together to champion bwin’s offering in a way that promotes responsible entertainment to fans.”
CEO of the Pro League, Pierre François, added: “Games of chance and betting can add an extra dimension to the football experience. However, each partner is aware of the risks of irresponsible behaviour. That’s why we are all committed to minimizing the risks, each in his own role.”
“In this partnership, bwin, the Pro League and Eleven Sports will focus on an overall prevention policy, the protection of players and the integrity of football as a whole. This cooperation will be measured at any time against the goals and best practice set out in the cooperation agreement between the Pro League and the Gaming Commission.”
Finally, commercial head of bwin Benelux and ROW, continued: “bwin is extremely proud to become the exclusive betting partner of the Jupiler Pro League and Eleven Sports for the next three seasons.”
“In partnership with Eleven Sports, we want to boost the awareness of Belgian football and introduce viewers to our bwin betting platform in a confidential and responsible way.”
Meanwhile, a five-year partnership with French-speaking public broadcaster RTBF has been agreed for the Pro League competitions. It regards Saturday and Sunday night highlights, and Monday night programme ‘La Tribune’. It also brings closer editorial collaboration with RTBF presenter Benjamin Deceuninck to feature regularly on Eleven’s Pro League programming.
The Pro League begins on Saturday with Club Brugge and Charleroi facing eachother in the first game at 3.30pm BST.