January 5 – The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has launched a tender for the broadcasting rights for the matches of the country’s top two football leagues – Super Lig and First Lig for the next three seasons.
Parties interested in participating in the tender must submit their bids by 2 February 14, 2024. The winner of the tender will be announced on February 29, 2024, according to the TFF.
In 2022 TFF signed a new two-year contract extension with the current Süper Lig broadcaster Qatari-based pay-TV network BeIN Sports and its Digiturk subsidiary.
The new deal was worth TL 2.2 billion ($127.88 million) but was a significant markdown on the previous five year deal and only came after an intense period of negotiation spiced with a large element of distrust between the two parties.
The TFF had hoped for a significant increase in rights fees. BeIN Sports wanted a rebate on the deal which had gone sour after Fenerbahce fans ran an anti-BeIN campaign, claiming that the broadcaster was manipulating VAR decisions.
The TFF are hoping for a return to calmer waters and higher fees.
“The tender to be held by the Turkish Football Federation regarding the Transfer of Broadcasting Rights of TFF Super League and TFF 1st League Competitions for the 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 football seasons will be held in accordance with the Tender General Specifications and Special Specifications for each package. It will be made through sealed bidding and negotiation. The purchasing process for the broadcast tender’s “Tender General Specifications” and the “Special Specifications” and annexes for each package has started,” said a TFF statement.
Bids will be evaluated by the ‘Tender Commission’ set up by the TFF and Clubs Association Foundation, which after evaluation of bids may request new offers from all or some of the bidders.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1734900144labto1734900144ofdlr1734900144owedi1734900144sni@o1734900144fni1734900144