Belgian Pro League Returns to Orange TV via New DAZN Distribution Deal
Belgian football fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Pro League is returning to the Orange Belgium telecoms platform following a new distribution agreement with rightsholder DAZN. This deal ends a period of significant uncertainty and ensures that the top tier of Belgian soccer is once again accessible through traditional linear television.
The agreement restores broad operator distribution for DAZN’s coverage, mirroring similar deals the streaming giant has already secured with Telenet and Proximus. For subscribers, this means a return to a familiar viewing experience where local football is integrated directly into their TV service.
How to Watch: Linear Channels and App Access
DAZN’s sports portfolio will be integrated into the Orange TV service through a hybrid approach. Subscribers will have access to four dedicated linear channels:
- Two channels focused exclusively on the Belgian Pro League.
- Two channels housing DAZN’s international soccer rights slate.
In addition to these linear options, fans can access the full depth of DAZN’s content via the DAZN app, providing a comprehensive digital experience alongside the traditional TV broadcast.
Beyond the Pro League: The ‘Big Five’ European Leagues
While the return of the Pro League is the headline, the deal brings a massive amount of international football to Orange Belgium customers. DAZN holds the Belgian rights to Europe’s “big five” soccer leagues, meaning fans can follow the action from:
- The English Premier League
- The German Bundesliga
- Spain’s LaLiga
- Italy’s Serie A
- France’s Ligue 1
Immediate Access: Final Gameweeks and Play-offs
Although the formal agreement kicks off with the 2026-27 campaign on August 7, Orange Belgium isn’t making customers wait until next season. Subscribers will gain immediate access to select fixtures from the final two gameweeks of the current Pro League season.
This is particularly timely as the Champions play-off group sees a high-stakes race between heavyweights Club Brugge and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise (RUSG). Key upcoming fixtures include:
- May 21: KV Mechelen vs Club Brugge and KAA Gent vs RUSG
- May 24: Club Brugge vs KAA Gent and RUSG vs Anderlecht
“We are very pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with DAZN to once again offer Belgian football to our customers,” said Orange Belgium Chief Consumer Officer Christophe. “We know how important this is to our subscribers, and we are delighted to be able to offer them not only their favorite local competitions, but also the best of European football.”
The Backstory: Legal Battles and Distribution Failures
This agreement follows a turbulent year for Belgian football broadcasting. DAZN’s entry into the market was marred by a failure to secure carriage agreements, meaning that for much of the current season, matches were only available via the DAZN platform itself.
The conflict escalated when DAZN attempted to terminate its long-term domestic rights contract less than a year into the deal. Under the original terms of the 2025-30 cycle, DAZN was required to guarantee wider distribution through at least two other partners to ensure the 16-team Pro League reached a broad audience. When negotiations with operators like Orange, Telenet, and Proximus initially failed, DAZN declared the contract null and void.
The Pro League responded with legal action, leading to a ruling by the Belgian Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CEPANI). The ruling was decisive: DAZN was ordered to continue covering the league until the end of the 2025-26 season and pay all remaining fees due through 2026. Crucially, CEPANI also instructed the streaming service to reopen negotiations with telecoms firms to ensure wider coverage.
Key Takeaways for Fans
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Full service begins August 7 (2026-27 season); select matches available now. |
| Viewing Options | 4 Linear Channels on Orange TV + DAZN App. |
| Content | Belgian Pro League + Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. |
| Legal Status | Deal follows a CEPANI ruling requiring DAZN to ensure wider distribution. |
With distribution now stabilized across Proximus, Telenet, and Orange Belgium, the Pro League returns to a sustainable broadcasting model. Fans can now look forward to a seamless experience for the upcoming 2026-27 season, ending months of uncertainty over how to watch the domestic game.