In a significant and remarkably proactive move, Liga Portugal has formally submitted its proposed model for the centralized commercialization of audiovisual rights to the Portuguese Competition Authority. This submission, made a full 11 months ahead of the mandated deadline, underscores a profound commitment to reshaping the economic future of professional football in Portugal.
A Paradigm Shift for Portuguese Football
For decades, individual clubs in Portugal, much like in many other football leagues, largely managed their own media rights negotiations. This fragmented approach, while offering autonomy, often led to vast disparities in revenue among clubs and, at times, a less-than-optimal overall market value for the league`s content. Centralization, as successfully implemented in leagues like the English Premier League or Spain`s La Liga, aims to pool these rights, creating a more cohesive and valuable product for broadcasters, and ultimately, a more equitable distribution of revenue among participating clubs.
More Than Just a Submission: A Strategic Blueprint
The delivery of this pivotal document was overseen by Liga Portugal President Reinaldo Teixeira, accompanied by Executive Director André Mosqueira do Amaral and representatives from the Liga Centralização Board. Far from a last-minute scramble, this proposal is the culmination of an intense 104-day strategic sprint by the current Executive Board. Building upon foundational work initiated by the previous administration, the present leadership undertook a rigorous analysis, updating core assumptions and introducing critical strategic adjustments.
This was no academic exercise confined to boardrooms. The development process involved extensive market outreach and field research, meticulously aligning the proposed model with international best practices. It sought to ensure maximum future flexibility, an essential trait in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
A Collaborative Endeavor: Reaching Across Borders and Sectors
The thoroughness of this undertaking is impressive. Liga Portugal engaged in comprehensive consultations that spanned the spectrum of stakeholders:
- European Leagues: Meetings were held with senior executives from major European leagues and others with recent experience in media rights sales, gleaning invaluable insights into successful centralization processes.
- Broadcasting Giants: Dialogues were opened with active national operators and potential international broadcasters, encompassing both traditional linear channels and cutting-edge streaming platforms.
- International Agencies: Expert international agencies with deep experience in managing high-value audiovisual assets across sports were consulted, adding another layer of professional insight.
- Government and Regulatory Bodies: Crucially, the League engaged directly with the Portuguese Government, the IPDJ (Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth), and the Competition Authority itself.
- Security and Public Order Forces: In a testament to the holistic view of the sport`s ecosystem, even national commands of the PSP, GNR, Judicial Police, SIS, and Civil Protection were included in discussions, acknowledging the broader societal impact and operational considerations of major sporting events.
This exhaustive collaborative effort aimed to identify the core value drivers for every participant in the commercialization chain. The objective is clear: to construct an approach that maximizes the economic value of these assets while diligently safeguarding the collective interest of the professional football sector through an open, transparent, and competitive process.
Beyond the Commercial Model: A Holistic Approach to Regulation
The League’s commitment extends beyond this initial submission. Parallel to the media rights proposal, significant work is underway on the Audiovisual Regulation and the Economic Control Regulation. These two crucial frameworks are being developed with the highest standards of legal and technical precision, ensuring practical utility and robust governance for the future of Portuguese professional football.
Commitment to a Brighter Future
This strategic maneuver unequivocally reaffirms Liga Portugal’s adherence to the stipulations of Decree-Law No. 22-B/2021. More profoundly, it signifies a renewed commitment to all Professional Sports Societies and, critically, to the millions of dedicated fans who passionately follow Portuguese football competitions.
The submission of this centralized model is not merely a bureaucratic checkbox; it is a declaration of intent. It positions Liga Portugal as a proactive, forward-thinking entity determined to build a more stable, equitable, and economically robust future for the beautiful game in Portugal. The whistle has blown, and the game for enhanced value has truly begun.
