Vodafone takes stake in sport channel following reciprocity deal

Vodafone Portugal has taken a stake in sports channel Sport TV following the recent series of agreements in the country covering reciprocity of sports rights between its major pay TV operators.

Sport TV, previously owned by pay TV operator Nos and Portuguese businessman Joaquin Oliveira via his Olivedesportos vehicle, is the current home of coverage of the Portuguese football championship, with the exception of Benfica home matches, which were exclusive to the Benfica TV channel until the end of the 2015-16 season. Sport TV has contracts with leading clubs FC Porto and Sporting for the next two seasons.

Following the Vodafone deal, Sport TV will be owned in equal parts by Vodafone, Nos and Olivedesportos.

Vodafone Portugal CEO Mario Vaz said that his company’s entry into Sport TV’s ownership reflected its strategy of strengthening its position as a full-service telecom operator.

The move follows the signing of a deal between Portugal Telecom/Meo, Nos, Vodafone and Cabovisão to ensure reciprocity of sports rights across their services.