In a landmark shift for sports broadcasting, popular French streamer and content creator Zack Nani has secured the rights to air the Saudi Pro League in France — a role traditionally held by established broadcasters.
For the past two seasons, the league was shown on Canal Plus, but the upcoming campaign will break away from that pattern. Instead, Nani, known for his popular Twitch and YouTube series Zack en roue libre, will be bringing Saudi Pro League action directly to fans online.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Nani described the deal as the largest financial commitment of his career. While the exact sum was not disclosed, he confirmed it was well beyond six figures for one season, with an option for a second year.
The agreement allows him to broadcast up to three matches per week, with a minimum of one match, all available for free on Twitch and YouTube. The format promises to blend traditional sports analysis with a more casual, interactive experience. Nani explained that for the biggest weekly fixture, a mix of football experts and non-specialist guests will join the stream, adding entertainment, varied perspectives, and live audience interaction via chat.
Interestingly, while Nani holds the rights, there remains the possibility for a traditional paid TV channel in France to also purchase them for broadcast.
What This Means for the Sports Media Landscape
This move reflects a growing trend where individual creators and digital platforms disrupt the traditional sports broadcasting hierarchy. Key takeaways for sports organisations, rights holders, and investors include:
- Alternative Distribution Models Are Gaining Traction
Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow rights holders to bypass conventional TV channels, reaching younger, more digitally engaged audiences directly. - Community-Driven Engagement is a Competitive Edge
The interactive nature of livestreaming — with real-time chat and viewer participation — can drive higher engagement than traditional one-way broadcasts. - Creators as Rights Holders May Become More Common
As the line between influencer and media company blurs, expect more high-profile creators to compete for rights, particularly in niche or emerging leagues. - Commercial Models Will Evolve
Free-to-view streams monetised via sponsorships, partnerships, and audience support could challenge subscription-based models, especially for secondary leagues.
Ready to Navigate the Future of Sports Broadcasting?
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Contact us today to explore how you can future-proof your media rights strategy and engage the next generation of fans.
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