Dutch commercial broadcaster SBS is considering bidding against public-service broadcaster NOS for highlights rights for the Eredivisie, the top tier of the Dutch football league, according to Totaal TV.
Dutch entrepreneur John de Mol, who acquired a controlling stake in SBS in April 2011, is keen to expand the broadcaster’s football portfolio. SBS currently holds rights to Netherlands national team matches.
NOS is in the final year of a five-year Eredivisie highlights rights deal, from 2008-09 to 2011-12. The league has reportedly turned down an offer from the broadcaster for a new deal beginning in 2012-13 with an increased rights fee. NOS pays €17 million ($22.3 million) per year in the current deal.
Local media reports say that budget cuts at NOS could hamper its ability to acquire sports rights.
STORY UPDATED ON 1 JUNE 2012, CHANGING CURRENT NOS-EREDIVISIE HIGHLIGHTS DEAL DURATION TO 2008-09 TO 2011-12