Brazilian broadcaster Band has reportedly ended its agreement to show Saudi Pro League matches after the country’s betting ban disrupted the sponsorship arrangements supporting the broadcasts.
According to national outlets, the decision followed the loss of a betting sponsor whose identity has not been disclosed for corporate confidentiality reasons. The departure reportedly made the commercial package for the competition financially unviable, prompting Band to remove the Saudi league from its programming schedule.
The agreement covered broadcasts on both free-to-air television and subscription channel BandSports.
The withdrawal became apparent when the broadcaster cancelled its planned transmission of the match between Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad approximately 24 hours before kick-off.
Band has not, until now, issued an official statement explaining the decision.
Across different Brazilian sports, betting companies have become significant sponsors across the sports industry, helping fund rights agreements, programming and other commercial partnerships.
The Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters (ABERT), of which Band is a member, has formally warned broadcasters against continuing to run betting advertisements.
The association is also considering filing a lawsuit challenging the government’s provisional measure.
Before the ban, a separate bill introduced in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies would prohibit sports commentators, presenters and reporters from promoting or discussing betting during live broadcast in the World Cup.
The issue has particular relevance for Grupo Bandeirantes, Band’s parent company, which launched its own sports betting platform, BandBet, in October 2024. The platform operated in partnership with Bell Ventures Digital and used OpenBet technology. It received authorization from the SPA to operate legally in Brazil.
The deadline for Brazilian lawmakers to propose amendments to the provisional measure banning betting closed with at least 97 amendments filed
