Bangladeshi broadcasters risk FIFA WC blackout

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“Given the government’s current financial situation, this is a significant factor. It would have been good for the viewers if it were on the government channel, but considering our financial situation, we are not thinking about this right now. However, if anyone shows interest privately, the government may show interest based on mutual benefits.”

Springbok’s package deal, acquired from FIFA, includes television, radio, mobile, and internet rights.

According to documents seen by The Daily Star, the company is demanding USD 12.30 million (around Tk 150.98 crore), excluding applicable taxes, advance income tax and VAT, from BTV.

The documents state that 50 percent of the amount must be paid by May 10, with the remaining due by June 10. The package includes live coverage and highlights of all 104 matches, including the opening and closing ceremonies.

According to insiders, T Sports, Star News and an event management company had shown interest in broadcasting the tournament at a significantly lower price, but Springbok has so far refused to reduce its asking price. Which means the cost could climb to nearly Tk 200 crore after taxes and VAT for a tournament, which, as per the schedule, will see 52 matches finish before 4:00am Bangladesh time, while the remaining 52 will begin after 4:00am.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH BTV?

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, BTV spent Tk 98 crore to secure terrestrial broadcasting rights for all matches following a late government move. T Sports and GTV separately acquired satellite rights.

In contrast, during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, BTV received the live feed free of cost from rights holders and reportedly earned around Tk 1.5 crore in advertising revenue.

A top BTV official requesting anonymity said no final decision has yet been made regarding this year’s tournament.

According to the official, Springbok contacted Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which later forwarded the matter to BTV.

The channel then approached Springbok last month to learn about pricing. Later, they also contacted FIFA in hopes of obtaining a free feed, but have not received any response so far.

The official said that neither BTV nor the Bangladesh government participated in FIFA’s tender process announced on September 9 last year, and if they did, they might have gotten it for a lower amount.

PRIVATE BROADCASTERS STRUGGLING WITH PRICING

Officials from private satellite channels said they had been in active discussions with Springbok earlier, but talks stalled because of the rigidity on asking price.

Broadcasters believe the current pricing is unsustainable for Bangladesh’s market size, especially if BTV does not share the burden. They stressed that they are seeking a collaborative approach rather than a sub-licensing arrangement.

According to them, FIFA likely based Bangladesh’s valuation on the widely reported Tk 98 crore deal involving BTV in 2022, and as the number of matches increased to 104 this year, the price has nearly doubled.