According to the latest news reports, Saudi Arabia is planning to end Qatari-based beIN Sports’ monopoly over sports and entertainment television in the region and internationally by launching its own sports network, supposedly titled PBS Sports.
The news comes amid the ongoing Qatari crisis after several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen severed diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar.
Speaking about the soon to be launched network, Chairman of Saudi Media City, Muflih al-Hafatah, said to the Saudi Gazette:
“One channel will be launched initially as a promotional platform for the network, and with the beginning of the new season there will be 5 channels which will gradually increase to become 11 channels.”
Al-Hafatah also stated that the channel will not be encrypted; therefore accessible free of charge.
The television rights that beIN Sports currently holds include rights for – The 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Cup of Nations in Europe, the Asian Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, the UEFA Champions League, the AFC Champions League, CAF Champions League tournaments.
To end the monopoly, the kingdom would have to acquire their respective rights for future seasons.
Due to the political situation in the region, Saudi Arabia will have to negotiate with FIFA on the rights issues. We will be submitting a report on the developments and FIFA will have to look into it.
