CANAL+ and LALIGA have joined forces to strengthen their efforts against the illegal distribution of sports content. The anti-piracy agreement, announced in Paris and Madrid, covers nearly 50 countries across Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and Haiti. This partnership aims to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement strategies, and accelerate action against illegal distribution networks operating across multiple territories. The collaboration brings together the anti-piracy technology, intelligence, and enforcement capabilities of both organisations.
The agreement is a significant step in the fight against piracy, which has become a major challenge for the sports industry. LALIGA President Javier Tebas emphasised the importance of partnerships like this one, stating that piracy undermines the future of sports. He highlighted the need for greater cooperation among rights holders and broadcasters to tackle this issue. The partnership between CANAL+ and LALIGA aims to protect the commercial value of sports broadcasting rights and safeguard the future of football.
CANAL+ CEO Maxime Saada noted that the agreement reflects the broadcaster's expanded efforts to combat illegal distribution of its content. He emphasised that piracy affects not only the sports industry but also the entire audiovisual and creative industries. Saada expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating that it enhances their ability to take action against piracy. He called on all industry players to assume their responsibility in tackling this issue.
The impact of piracy on the sports ecosystem is significant, with illegal broadcasts reducing revenues that support professional and grassroots activities. CANAL+ and LALIGA stated that the effects of piracy extend beyond copyright infringement to investment in youth academies, clubs, audiovisual production, and other areas dependent on sports media rights. The two organisations described piracy as a growing challenge to the sustainability of sports broadcasting.
The new agreement enables faster identification of illegal services and better coordination of enforcement action across the territories covered by the partnership. This is particularly important as illegal distribution networks operate across borders, making it challenging for individual organisations to tackle the issue alone. The partnership between CANAL+ and LALIGA aims to address this challenge and protect the sports ecosystem.
The agreement is a significant development in the fight against piracy, with CANAL+ and LALIGA leading the way. The two organisations have a strong track record of combating piracy, and their partnership is expected to have a significant impact. By combining their anti-piracy expertise, they are enhancing their ability to take action against piracy and protect the sports ecosystem.
The partnership between CANAL+ and LALIGA has three key implications for the sports industry. Firstly, it highlights the importance of collaboration in the fight against piracy. Secondly, it demonstrates the commitment of major sports organisations to protecting their content and the sports ecosystem. Thirdly, it sets a precedent for future partnerships between sports organisations and broadcasters to combat piracy.
Key points
- CANAL+ and LALIGA have signed an anti-piracy agreement covering nearly 50 countries.
- The partnership aims to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement strategies, and accelerate action against illegal distribution networks.
- The agreement is intended to protect the commercial value of sports broadcasting rights and safeguard the future of football.
