Local broadcasters vie for Ethiopian Premier League rights

Ethiopian Premier League Share Company (EPLSC) has opened a tender process to allow broadcasters to showcase the topflight league matches next season. As expected, only local television broadcasters have shown interest in bringing the league games to Ethiopian viewers.

EPLSC recently ended a five-year television and naming rights deal with South African giants SuperSport, after the broadcaster opted not to renew its contract. This scenario created a void as local broadcasters tussle to bring the games to viewers starting from the 2025/26 season. Pan Africa Football understands that most of the broadcasters are state-owned television stations.

Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, Fana Media Corporation, ARTS TV, Oromia Broadcasting Corporation, and Amhara Media Corporation have shown interest in broadcasting games live. The companies will be obliged to submit financial and technical bids to the EPLSC, with the due date being Wednesday, August 20. EPLSC has yet to confirm how many bids they have received so far.

The Ethiopian Premier League earned a huge sum of money from the deal with SuperSport. International broadcasters are said to be not interested in bidding for the league as EPLSC shifts to local media houses. Many in Ethiopian football fear that local broadcasters may not be able to match the same amount of money for the league. EPLSC officials hope to secure a television rights deal before the new league season kicks off.