The Qatar-based sports channel, beIN Sports has renewed its exclusive Premier League (PL) broadcasting rights in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through a new three-year deal worth approximately £550 million ($742.3 million).
The arrangement, which spans from the 2025-26 season to the 2027-28 season, marks a 10% increase over the previous cycle and cements the league’s international media income growth.
beIN MENA CEO, Mohammad Al-Subaie, said, “This renewal not only signifies our enduring commitment to providing the highest quality sports content on beIN Sports and reinforces our leading position in the region, but also demonstrates the trust that the Premier League has in us.”
Since 2013, beIN has retained the rights to the PL in all 24 MENA nations, despite political issues and a high-profile piracy battle with Saudi Arabia. Between 2017 and 2019, Saudi-backed beoutQ unlawfully shared beIN’s signal, resulting in the broadcaster’s ban in the country until 2021 as part of a larger diplomatic standoff with Qatar.
Despite improved Qatar-Saudi relations, Riyadh has continued to challenge beIN’s supremacy, most notably by forming a regional rival through a joint venture with global streaming platform DAZN. These factors most certainly contributed to the delay in finalising the renewal, despite the fact that a basic agreement was agreed two years ago.
Nonetheless, both parties end victorious. beIN has secured the rights to all 380 live matches every season, as well as highlights, interviews, and access to exclusive material. The Premier League enjoys consistent income growth in a market while other leagues have plateaued.
Paul Molnar, Premier League’s Chief Media Officer, said, “We look forward to continuing our close collaboration on a variety of content and promotional initiatives, bringing the Premier League even closer to our passionate fans in this important region.”
The contract is part of an overall jump in the league’s worldwide media income, with international rights up 27%, led by advances in China, Thailand, and the United States. Combined with a new four-year domestic rights contract with Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and the BBC, the Premier League will earn £12.25 billion ($16.55 billion) over the following three seasons.
Confirmation of the arrangement comes after worries over a drop in domestic viewing ratings last season, which clubs believe was due to a lack of late-season drama rather than dwindling interest.
