Rising football broadcasting costs in Spain

Football broadcasting costs in Spain have experienced a significant upward trend over the last decade. Reports indicate that fans now pay up to 529 euros more annually to access competitions compared to ten years ago.

For the 2026/27 season, major providers have implemented price increases. Movistar’s entry-level price for full football access rose from 80 euros per month in 2016/17 to 117 euros, with the average annual cost of its catalog increasing by 5% from the previous season. Orange’s most affordable package for all competitions reached 103 euros per month, up from 58 euros in 2016/17.

Cumulative increases over the last ten seasons have reached 31.7% for Movistar+ and 74.8% for Orange. This rise in subscription costs is being driven by high player salaries and transfer fees funded by media rights and sponsorships. Observers note that these trends are shifting football from a popular culture toward an “elite-focused activity.”

Recent data suggests that following the complete league, spectators may now spend approximately 1,475 euros per year. This cost increase of 61% over the last decade diverges from downward trends observed in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. This trend is partly attributed to a distribution model where Telefónica holds national rights until 2032, forcing other operators to negotiate with the company.

Despite these costs, viewership remains high. DAZN recently reported an audience share surge to 2.3%, bolstered by high-profile matches such as Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, which became the most-watched prime-time program on Spanish television. DAZN currently shares domestic rights with Movistar Plus+, with both platforms providing five matches per matchday.