LaLiga has partnered with Bahrain-based sports, media and entertainment company Strive Sports & Entertainment to launch a joint venture in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and South Asia
Key details:
- Bahrain’s Strive acquires a 50 per cent stake in LaLiga MENA & South Asia company
- Dubai-based subsidiary LaLiga MENA & South Asia has operated in the region for over 11 years
- Joint venture aims to grow LaLiga brand in both markets and develop new business opportunities
Context:
LaLiga has a 20-strong team working across the MENA and South Asia region, including in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and India. Over time, the league has accumulated more than 40 regional partners, five soccer academies and a strategic consultancy agreement in Iraq.
The Spanish top flight estimates it has a cumulative audience of over 500 million in the region, as well as more than 55 million followers across its regional social media channels.
The formation of the joint venture follows LaLiga agreeing a new five-year broadcast deal with South Asian streaming platform Begin covering Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. FanCode shows the league in India, while BeIN Sports holds LaLiga’s rights across the MENA region.
Comment:
“In such a strategically important market for LaLiga as MENA and South Asia, this agreement with Strive will allow us to grow at a faster pace and unlock new markets and opportunities, working hand in hand with a partner that brings strong professionalism, reputation, and influence across the region,” said Javier Tebas, LaLiga president.
“We are pleased to embark on this new joint venture which unlocks the full potential of LaLiga as a global brand, and expanding regional reach,” added Abdulla Al Zain, chairman of Strive. “This partnership represents an important step in advancing Strive’s regional and global portfolio, and we look forward to the opportunities it will create.”
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