Arbitration trims DAZN's Belgian football fee by €12.6m

Sport journalist Niels Vleminckx reported on 26 June 2026 that DAZN will continue broadcasting Belgian football next season after arbitration tribunal Cepani ruled the broadcaster must pay 71.6 million euros, 85 percent of the originally agreed 84.2 million. The decision follows DAZN's request to reduce its fee to 60 percent, which the arbitrators rejected. DAZN secured broadcasting rights for Belgian football for the 2025‑2030 cycle, with an annual fee of 84.2 million euros. The deal was signed in the final month of the previous season after agreements with telecom operators Telenet, Proximus and Orange. DAZN argued the contract was not financially sustainable and withdrew from the agreement. Consequently, the Pro League referred the dispute to the arbitration tribunal Cepani to enforce the original terms.

DAZN forced to keep 85% fee for 2026‑27, easing Belgian clubs' worries

DAZN had asked the tribunal to reduce its payment to 60 percent of the 84.2 million euros, i.e., roughly 50.5 million euros. The arbitrators rejected this request and ruled that 85 percent, amounting to 71.6 million euros, was appropriate. The arbitrators reached this decision after reviewing the financial health of Belgian professional clubs, concluding that most clubs are sufficiently stable to justify a lower payment. The Pro League welcomed the ruling as a positive development. The final judgment is expected later in the coming season; meanwhile, Cepani ordered DAZN to continue broadcasting Belgian football until a definitive decision is made. The arbitrators also imposed provisional measures during the interim.