Facebook, Sony reach agreement to telecast over 100 LaLiga matches on TV

In a major relief for Indian fans of Spanish football league LaLiga, social networking site Facebook and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) reached an agreement on Thursday to air over 100 select matches of the league over the latter’s sports network.
The deal will allow SPN to air key clashes including El Clasico and Madrid Derby across sports channels as well as Sony LIV. The deal is exclusive TV deal for the Indian sub-continent.

The partnership builds on SPN’s association with LaLiga for the past four seasons in India as the league’s official broadcaster.

“We have been committed to LaLiga for the past four years and the deal allows us to continue our partnership. This also confirms our commitment to be the premier football destination for all viewers,” said Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer - distribution and Head - Sports, at SPN.

Facebook won LaLiga media rights for three years starting 2018/19 season. Last week it announced its plans to live stream all 380 matches free on its platform. However, the development did not go down well with the Indian fans, who were worried about the patchy internet and video over data quality.

Also, with TV broadcast still playing a key role in terms of viewership in India, Facebook executives were in talks with Indian broadcasters for a simulcast.

“The deal with SPN is on a 1+2 year basis, where SPN will have rights for next two years too as per some conditions. The select matches will air live on SPN’s sports channels as well as OTT player Sony LIV along with Facebook. It’s a win-win for both,” said a source with the direct knowledge of the deal.