Sky Sports loses live La Liga rights

Sky Sports have lost live rights to La Liga football bringing an end to a partnership that has lasted for more than two decades.

Eleven Sports, founded by the Leeds United owner, Andrea Radrizzani, has acquired exclusive rights to the Spanish top flight for three years, starting from 2018-19.

“We are proud to build on our existing relationship with La Liga, this time in the UK, one of the most passionate football countries in the world,” said Eleven Sports’ chief executive, Marc Watson, in a statement.

“We will announce soon how we will introduce innovative ways for dedicated fans to watch and engage in the live action. The way people, especially young people, watch live sport is changing and we always try to reflect that in the ways we make our product available.”

It is understood that Sky Sports was unwilling to continue paying the £18m per season agreed under its current deal with La Liga.