The decision to launch a new channel is dependent on Pais do Amaral acquiring the rights for Benfica, one of Portugal’s big three football clubs, for which it is understood to have made an enquiry. Benfica is under contract with Joaquim Oliveira’s Olivedesportos agency until the end of the 2012-13 season. Benfica chairman, Luís Filipe Vieira, said that the club wants €30 million ($43.8 million) per season for its media rights, surpassing Sporting Lisbon’s new deal, worth €27 million per season.
Worldcom will continue to acquire sports rights under Pais do Amaral’s ownership. The company has recently approached rights-holders of English and Italian first division football, motor racing’s Formula One and motor cycling’s Moto GP.
Pais do Amaral is the chairman of the Media Capital Group, which owns commercial broadcaster TVI. The Media Capital Group is majority owned by Spain’s Prisa Group.