Belgian football set to disappear from traditional TV 

Belgian football fans may soon no longer find Jupiler Pro League (JPL) matches on traditional TV. Streaming platform DAZN has ended negotiations with major telecom providers Telenet and Proximus. As a result, matches may be available exclusively via the DAZN app when the new season kicks off on Friday 25 July. 

DAZN, which secured the broadcasting rights to Belgian professional football until 2030, had been in talks to sublicense those rights to local providers. In previous seasons, matches aired on traditional TV platforms such as Telenet, Proximus, Orange and VOO. This time, however, discussions broke down. 

Both Telenet and Proximus considered DAZN’s pricing demands too high, especially as they face growing pressure to reduce costs and respond to a shift in viewing habits. Many customers are cancelling traditional TV bundles in favour of streaming.

Despite DAZN’s announcement, the situation isn’t entirely final. Industry insiders suggest a last-minute deal is still possible. DAZN says the door remains open for future talks, but for now, it is moving forward with a streaming-only strategy.

^{BELGA PHOTO KRISTOF VAN ACCOM}

For viewers, this means no JPL on standard TV. Instead, all live matches, highlights, and replays will be available only via the DAZN app, which requires a subscription. The app is available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, and streaming devices such as Chromecast and Apple TV. 

There is currently also no deal in place with broadcasters VRT or VTM to show match footage or highlights in news programmes. For now, coverage outside DAZN will be limited to live text updates and radio/TV commentary.

^{© BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS}