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Pro League Revamps Format in New DAZN Rights Deal

The Belgian Pro League is set for a transformation with the introduction of an 18-team format and the removal of its traditional end-of-season play-offs starting from the 2026-27 season. This change coincides with the second year of its new five-year domestic rights agreement with DAZN.

Strategic Competition Overhaul

DAZN, the global sports broadcaster, was actively involved in discussions regarding the competition’s restructuring. The proposed changes narrowly passed at the Pro League General Assembly in Diegem, securing 34 votes—just above the required minimum of 33 out of 49.

Under the new contract, which begins in the 2025-26 season, the Pro League will initially maintain its 16-team structure with a revised relegation format. The bottom-ranked Jupiler Pro League team will face the third-placed Challenger Pro League side in a play-off, while the top two teams from the second division will earn automatic promotion.

From 2026-27 onwards, the league will expand to 18 teams, each playing home and away fixtures over 34 match weeks. At the end of the season, the top four teams will secure European competition spots, while the bottom two will face direct relegation. This marks the first time since 2009 that the league will function without play-offs.

A More Balanced and Sustainable Schedule

The Pro League highlighted that the revised structure will reduce the overall number of matches, allowing for more player recovery time. The 2026-27 campaign will commence one week later than usual and include a two-week winter break.

The format of the Challenger Pro League post-2026 remains undecided, with the possibility of featuring either 14 or 16 teams, depending on the inclusion of under-23 squads.

Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League, emphasized the benefits of the changes: “Fewer games from 2026-27 mean more flexibility for top teams while ensuring all clubs face each other an equal number of times. This format also aligns with the demand for greater stability from smaller clubs. The Challenger Pro League will benefit from increased solidarity and financial support, while fans will enjoy a clearer and more recognizable competition structure.”

He added, “These decisions mark the culmination of a comprehensive process with our clubs. Together, we have pieced together a complex puzzle, addressing various concerns and demands. This lays the foundation for launching the new media rights cycle with a sustainable competitive framework.”

Media Rights and Financial Implications

DAZN secured the Pro League’s domestic rights before the end of the year, committing to an annual payment of €84.2 million for the 2025-30 cycle.

Although this figure is lower than the current €103 million per season, the Pro League remains optimistic that it can elevate the overall value to an average of €93 million per season by factoring in international rights sales, selected streaming rights, and DAZN’s additional revenue contributions.

DAZN faced competition from Belgian telcos Proximus and Telenet in the bidding process. To maximize offers, the Pro League explored launching its own subscription service for broadcasting matches. Reports indicate that discussions were also held with private equity firms regarding channel partnerships.

IMG played a key advisory role in the rights tender process and continues to consult on the international distribution of Pro League media rights. During the current cycle, Eleven, which acquired both domestic and international rights, collaborated with Mediapro to facilitate the global distribution of Pro League content.

As the league embarks on this new era with DAZN, the revised competition format and enhanced broadcasting strategy are expected to bring long-term stability and growth to Belgian football.

Source: SportBusiness