CBS To Renew Serie A Media Rights
Although CBS Sports’ coverage of Serie A is set to expire after the 2023-2024 season, it is looking like the Serie A might still call CBS Sports home next year. According to CBS Sports and News EVP of Digital Jeff Gerttula, there are conversations currently being held about renewing the network’s coverage of Italy’s top flight.
“We’re focusing in on covering Serie A this season, and we’re having conversations [about renewing the deal],” Gerttula said. “We are thrilled with the storylines in Serie A, obviously Christian Pulisic and the success of Serie A in the [UEFA] tournaments last year. So, we’ve got a lot of momentum with that property.”
The problem for CBS Sports is that Serie A is looking for a substantial increase in the amount it dishes out its international media rights. The network is currently paying $75 million a year to broadcast Serie A games on its platforms. To secure the rights for the 2024-2027 broadcasting cycle, Serie A wants CBS Sports to double what it is currently paying.
It is not all doom and gloom for CBS, however. The advantage they have at the negotiating table is that there is a serious lack of competition for Serie A’s media rights in the U.S.
NBC Sports looks content with its coverage of the Premier League. FOX Sports has looked more focused on expanding its coverage of international competitions, although it has shown more ambition on the club side recently with its acquisition of the Saudi Pro League’s media rights. However, they are unlikely to enter a bidding war with CBS Sports for Serie A’s rights.
ESPN looks like an unlikely competitor due to its recent focus on slashing expenses. Apple is also unlikely to dip its toes into the Italian market.
For all of you Pulisic-loving Americans who have been holding out on getting a Paramount+ subscription with the hope that Serie A will be covered by another network next year, I have some bad news for you. While there are still negotiations to be had, it looks like the Serie A will continue to call CBS Sports its home next year.
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