The Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) has officially opened the bidding process for the broadcasting rights to the NB I football championship and related competitions for the 2026/2027 season, according to multiple Hungarian sports outlets. The call for tenders, published on April 17, 2026, covers the men’s and women’s top divisions, cup competitions, futsal tournaments and national team matches not governed by UEFA. The current rights holder, M4 Sport, has held the package in recent years, but its contract expires at the end of the ongoing season. Reports indicate that RTL and Sport TV, under the ownership of AMC, may join forces to bid jointly for the rights. According to sources cited by hvg.hu and 24.hu, the two broadcasters plan to split coverage: RTL would focus on streaming platforms, while Sport TV would air three matches per weekend on linear television. The move comes amid growing speculation that state-backed media may lose its long-standing dominance in Hungarian football broadcasting. Mandiner noted that the tender opens the door for independent broadcasters and even international streaming services to enter the market. Clubs across the league are closely monitoring the process, as broadcast revenue remains a significant financial pillar. Despite potential decreases in bidding value, sources insist the income would still represent a meaningful contribution to team budgets. The pre-qualification deadline for applications is set for April 23, 2026, with the first-round bids due between 10:00 and 12:00 on April 30, 2026. MLSZ aims to conclude the selection process swiftly to ensure clarity ahead of the upcoming season.
MLSZ Opens Tender for Hungarian Football League Broadcasting Rights
13