Chilean Football League Seeks to Sell Stake in Media Rights
Chile's professional football league has announced its intention to invite investors to participate in the bidding process for a share in its media rights. This strategic move follows the footsteps of major European leagues. According to a confidential document obtained by Bloomberg News, the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) plans to sell a 20% stake in a company that will oversee the commercial rights of the country's top two football divisions.
The ANFP is seeking an influential investor who can introduce innovative technologies and generate new revenue streams. The newly established company will be responsible for managing television rights, naming rights, sponsorship deals, and licensing agreements, as outlined in the document.
When contacted for comment, a representative from the ANFP declined to provide any further details.
The sale of media rights is expected to attract interest from private equity firms, given their recent involvement in similar deals across Europe, demonstrating a strong desire to gain exposure to the world's most-watched sport. Over the past couple of years, CVC Capital Partners, for instance, has acquired minority stakes in companies holding the media rights for France's Ligue 1 and Spain's La Liga. Additionally, Bloomberg News has reported that CVC Capital Partners, Advent International, and Blackstone Inc. are currently competing to secure a share of broadcasting revenue associated with Germany's Bundesliga.
Chile's top two men's football leagues consist of 16 teams each. The country boasts a rich history of producing renowned players like Alexis Sanchez, David Pizarro, and Arturo Vidal, all of whom have competed at the highest level of European football. Notably, Chile's national team has achieved great success in South America over the past decade, clinching victory in the Copa América tournament in both 2015 and 2016.
