The commercialisation of TV rights in Spain: a key decision from the Spanish Supreme Court (LaLiga v Mediaset)

Last December, the Spanish Supreme Court passed a decision that has a major effect on the commercialization of TV sports rights in Spain. The decision was connected to a long-lasting dispute between LaLiga and Mediaset that dates back to 2015. This article examines the decision and its effects. Specifically, it looks at:

• The parties and the background to the dispute
• The legal concepts at play
• Mediaset’s complaint to the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC)
• LaLiga’s appeal to the CNMC Commission
• LaLiga’s appeal to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court’s decision