The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company has announced a new two-year media rights agreement with Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN). This marks a significant shift toward domestic broadcasting for the country’s top-tier football competition. The deal comes after the league’s previous partnership with SuperSport, which had broadcast the matches for the past five years on the DStv platform.
Under this new agreement, OBN will acquire the Ethiopian Premier League broadcast and media rights for a total of 200 million Ethiopian birr over two years. Sources indicate that the broadcaster is expected to pay 100 million birr in the first year. OBN will produce and distribute live matches, highlights, and related programming across its television and digital platforms. League officials believe this move will enhance the competition’s domestic visibility and make matches more accessible to Ethiopian audiences
While the agreement ensures continued coverage for the league, the revenue expected to reach clubs is projected to be significantly lower than in past seasons. The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company deducts portions of the total media rights revenue to cover various operational expenses, including referee payments, administrative costs, match organization, and other management expenses. As a result, the remaining funds are distributed among the participating clubs. Industry estimates suggest that clubs may receive less than half of the initial 100 million birr this year under the new agreement.
The financial outlook contrasts sharply with last season’s distribution. Thanks to a rise in the US dollar exchange rate, the league distributed a record amount of prize money. The 2023/24 champions, Ethiopian Insurance FC (also known as Ethiopia Medhin), received 40 million birr the highest single payout in the league’s history.
Last season, over 409 million birr was shared among 15 clubs, while this season is expected to distribute less than 50 million birr among 20 clubs. Current projections suggest that the 2024/25 league champion could receive less than 5 million birr, a significant drop from the previous season’s rewards. League administrators view the agreement with OBN as an important step toward strengthening domestic media partnerships and boosting local engagement with Ethiopian football.
By working with a national broadcaster, the league hopes to expand its viewership, enhance local production capabilities, and create new opportunities for sponsors and commercial partners within the Ethiopian sports market. Officials have also indicated plans to explore additional commercial partnerships, sponsorships, and digital distribution strategies to support clubs financially and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Ethiopian Premier League.
As the league prepares for the upcoming season, stakeholders are focused on improving the commercial structure of the competition, increasing fan engagement, and securing stronger financial returns for the clubs in future broadcast negotiations.
