As part of this agreement, the two organisations will also work closely to combat the growing threat of piracy, which poses significant challenges to content creators and distributors globally.
In a significant step to broaden its global presence, LaLiga has announced a co-exclusive broadcasting agreement with the Iraqi streaming platform, 1001, for the upcoming Seasons 2024/25 to 2027/28. This deal will bring the excitement of LaLiga to football fans across Iraq.
The multi-year agreement grants 1001 the rights to stream all 380 matches from LaLiga EA Sports live and on-demand in full HD (1080p) on supported devices. Additionally, the platform will feature select live matches from LaLiga Hypermotion, Spain’s second football division, including six promotion playoffs, along with weekly highlights, previews, news, and review programmes.
1001, a rapidly growing OTT platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will be the primary digital hub for LaLiga content in Iraq.
In a bid to cater to the local audience, 1001 plans to develop a range of hyper-localised programmes tailored specifically for Iraqi viewers. These will include innovative talk shows with leading local pundits and shorter clips for social media, meeting the demand for real-time updates on favourite clubs.
Beyond digital platforms, LaLiga content will also be featured on Al Sharqiya and Al Sharqiya News, Iraq’s TV channels with up to 1m daily viewers, further amplifying LaLiga’s reach in the region.
The partnership aligns with LaLiga’s strategy of engaging with the digital-savvy Iraqi population, where football is the most popular sport. With 40% of Iraqi youth actively participating in football and many regularly following LaLiga clubs, the collaboration is poised to deepen the connection between Iraqi fans and the sport.
Speaking about the broadcasting deal, Javier Tebas, President, LaLiga, said: “The alliance with 1001 marks a significant stride in our global expansion strategy. LaLiga’s exhilarating football action will now reach the hearts of Iraqi fans, fostering a deeper connection with the sport they love.”
Mohsen Khairaldin Garcia, Co-Founder, 1001, added: “We are delighted that LaLiga have chosen us in the Iraqi market, as the leading hyper-localised streaming platform in the region. We are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season to showcase just how excited Iraqis are to engage with LaLiga as if it were their own competition.”
As LaLiga makes its debut on 1001, viewers can look forward to not only top-tier football but also a diverse array of sports and entertainment content. This strategic partnership underscores LaLiga’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience to fans in the MENA region.
Moreover, LaLiga and 1001 have committed to tackling digital piracy, a growing challenge for content creators and distributors worldwide. The collaboration includes sharing intelligence, monitoring piracy trends and enforcing new copyright regulations to protect premium content. By combining their efforts, LaLiga and 1001 aim to significantly reduce unauthorised content distribution, ensuring fans have legal access to their favourite matches.
Through this partnership, LaLiga and 1001 are setting a new standard in the region, advocating for legal content consumption and contributing to the global fight against digital piracy.