Clubs from the top two divisions of Danish football have agreed to major reform plans that will bind together all commercial rights on a long-term basis and alter the structure of the league system, while also seeking to extend deals with existing domestic broadcast rights partners.
The Superliga, the top tier of Danish football, said the agreements will seal collaboration in the game for the next 13 seasons as a minimum. The “groundbreaking agreement” brings together all media rights and other common rights until 2031.
The clubs have agreed with the Superliga and second-tier Liga to seek to extend their rights deals with Swedish media company Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), formerly known as Modern Times Group, and basic-tier broadcaster SBS Discovery Media through to the summer of 2024.
In June 2014, the Superliga agreed six-year deals with MTG and SBS Discovery Media running from 2015-16 to 2020-21.
The Superliga said in a statement: “This (extension) requires the approval of relevant Danish authorities. An extension of the agreements will make it possible for all clubs and partners to invest more in the development of Danish club football on and off the field to delight fans, spectators and viewers.”
Meanwhile, the clubs have agreed to cut the Superliga down to 12 teams from the 2020-21 season. The top tier currently consists of 14 clubs and 2019-20 will be designed as a transition season with three relegation places and only one promotion slot from the second division.