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How Serie A TV Rights Deals Actually Work

How Domestic Serie A TV Rights Are Structured

Every three to five years, Serie A negotiates broadcast rights agreements covering Italy, where football remains the country’s most popular sport. Historically, the league has auctioned these rights to maximize value. Broadcasters and streaming platforms submit bids, and the clubs vote to award the packages.

The most recent domestic deal, signed in October 2023, is valued at approximately €4.5 billion (about $4.77 billion) over five seasons. This agreement covers 2024–2029 and splits rights between DAZN and Sky Italia:

DAZN holds exclusive rights to 266 matches per season on its streaming platform.
Sky airs 114 matches per season, mainly simulcasts.

This hybrid model—streaming plus satellite and cable—ensures that every Serie A match is available live while giving fans flexibility in how they watch.

How Revenue Is Shared Among Clubs

Revenue from these deals is distributed to clubs based on three main criteria:

Equal Share (50%): All clubs receive an identical base payment.
Audience Share (30%): Based on TV ratings and supporter base.
Performance Share (20%): Tied to sporting results over the past five seasons.

This system balances rewarding big clubs like Juventus and Inter for their followings while guaranteeing smaller clubs the resources to remain competitive.

International Rights: The Global Reach of Serie A

While domestic rights provide most revenue, international broadcasting has become a fast-growing segment of Serie A’s business. Matches are sold region by region or via agency negotiations. In July 2025, DAZN announced a major expansion of its Serie A coverage, securing exclusive and non-exclusive rights in key global markets:

United Kingdom and Ireland: DAZN will broadcast up to eight exclusive matches each round, plus two co-exclusive, with more than 300 live matches per season. Due to Saturday blackout rules, some games will be shown on delay.
United States: CBS Sports retains exclusive English-language rights to all matches via Paramount+. DAZN acquired Spanish-language rights to all matches, with five exclusive and five co-exclusive games each matchday. This approach targets the large Latino audience in the US and Caribbean.
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Japan: DAZN continues to hold rights through 2027.

This strategy makes DAZN a global hub for Serie A fans while maintaining Paramount+ as the leading English-language broadcaster in the US.

How Rights Are Sold and Negotiated

Serie A typically sells TV rights through a formal tender process:

The league publishes a tender document describing packages, exclusivity, and markets.
Broadcasters submit bids for their preferred territories and packages.
Bids are evaluated on value, reach, and strategic fit.
Negotiations finalize details, including language and digital options.
Contracts are signed and distribution plans are implemented.

In recent years, direct-to-platform deals like DAZN’s have become more common, complementing relationships with agencies such as Infront and IMG.

Challenges and Opportunities in Serie A Broadcasting

Serie A faces challenges in maximizing its rights value:

Competition: The Premier League and La Liga have a stronger international presence.
Piracy: Illegal streaming remains a persistent threat.
Fragmentation: Multiple subscriptions can frustrate fans.

However, new opportunities are also emerging:

Direct-to-Consumer Platforms: Serie A is considering launching its own global OTT service.
Growing the US Audience: The CBS and DAZN combination caters to both English- and Spanish-speaking viewers.
Strategic Expansion: The UK rights deal is the first time a major European competition will stream live in the region on DAZN.

How to Watch Serie A Matches

Depending on your location, viewing options differ:

Italy: DAZN and Sky Italia share all live broadcasts.
United States: Paramount+ in English; DAZN in Spanish.
United Kingdom & Ireland: DAZN holds exclusive and co-exclusive rights to most matches.
Rest of the World: Regional sports channels or DAZN.

Most broadcasters offer monthly subscriptions, annual passes, or pay-per-view.

Why TV Rights Are So Important

For Serie A clubs, TV income represents more than half of total revenue. These funds pay for player wages, stadium maintenance, academy development, and new signings. While large clubs like Inter and Milan benefit from audience bonuses, smaller clubs rely heavily on their equal share to survive.

The Future of Serie A Broadcasting

Looking ahead to the next cycle in 2027, expect:

More focus on digital platforms and apps.
Additional investments in anti-piracy technology.
Continued growth in English- and Spanish-speaking markets.

With DAZN and CBS among its main partners, Serie A is well-positioned to expand globally while sustaining its vital domestic fanbase.

Conclusion

Serie A’s broadcast rights are the lifeblood of Italian football, supporting everything from grassroots academies to world-class stars. Whether you watch on DAZN, Sky, CBS Sports, or another platform, your subscription keeps the league thriving and helps deliver the drama that makes Italian football unique.