La Liga have secured a last-minute broadcasting deal with ITV for games to be shown live in Britain this season.
ITV have confirmed that they have agreed a deal with La Liga to be their broadcasting partners for the upcoming season, which begins on Friday night.
The La Liga curtain raiser between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona will be shown on free-to-air TV on ITV4 and ITV Hub LIVE from 8:00 p.m. BST (UK).
It has also been announced that one game from the following two match weeks will be shown live on ITV.
Barcelona's home clash against Real Betis on August 25 was selected as the game for the second week while matchday three's game will be Real Madrid's trip to Villarreal on September 1.
Thursday's announcement follows ITV4's coverage of the final months of the La Liga season last term alongside subscription-based TV channel Premier Sports.
Streaming service Eleven Sports, owned by Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, had secured the rights to broadcast La Liga last season, but the deal had to renegotiated after far fewer British consumers signed up to watch than when Sky Sports controlled the rights.
A number of broadcasters made bids for La Liga at the end of the season but Joris Evers, head of communications for the league, claimed none were 'satisfactory'.
La Liga chief Javier Tebas was keen for the league's games to be shown in Britain this season but resisted lowball offers for the UK rights after securing lucrative deals in the United States.
There was plenty of ambiguity around the situation with no deal in place but an agreement has been struck with ITV just in time before the season kicks-off.
likenjuo
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Imagine a country where you're priced out of watching your own domestic league, Spain will be off like a shot as soon as a better offer comes in
Who is priced out?
Santiag
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These lot were expecting to get some huge bids for La Liga rights because tv companies are paying stupid money for premier league football in this country. Maybe being on free to air television so you can build the fan base and then after some years the bt's and sky's will come in with some good bids for La Liga.
La liga needs to build a fan base? Just check the sales of La Liga team merchandise in the UK to know how popular it is. Of course the EPL is number one because it is the home league.
like008
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Let me guess all games except Barca Real?
Wouldn't be surprised if thats on ITV box office.....or as its called in my living room, a stream.
July4
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That's good news. It's ironic you get zillions more British games shown in most other countries, but unless you've got BT or Sky you have to settle for MOTD.
Invest in IPTV my friend.
background
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Best news for paying and free TV service, never thought I'd say this... But well done ITV Sport.
One more thing.. ITV has to now release ITV4 HD on Freesat.. SD is OK.. But HD is better... :)
wozenm
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YES! Cancelled my plans for tomorrow night!
YES! No trolling from mick tomorrow night!
Leslevi
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It's a shame we still get our pants pulled down over english football
get a vpn sign up to nbc sports and get 140 games for $65
boycott
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It's a boring league but free football isn't so bad
You won't be saying that when it's El Mucho Grande Classico night lol
prospera
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Excellent news and at least it's on free TV unlike the Premier League.
nowhere
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Do you think ITV will show the big games on ITV1 or will it just be ITV4?
Oxford
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Glad that someone has the rights to some games, now to find a streaming sight for the rest. Eleven Sports UK gave great coverage last year at a very very reasonable cost.
PLApolo
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Imagine a country where you're priced out of watching your own domestic league, Spain will be off like a shot as soon as a better offer comes in
goodnessj
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Tebas thought he could milk money from British football fans. He didnt realise most only have a passing interest in his dull league. Free to air is the only way people will watch.
Mutuamente
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Get the champions league back by sports are con men
technology
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These lot were expecting to get some huge bids for La Liga rights because tv companies are paying stupid money for premier league football in this country. Maybe being on free to air television so you can build the fan base and then after some years the bt's and sky's will come in with some good bids for La Liga.
gooljust
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This is great news, not a massive la Liga fan but this can't hurt anyone! Well done itv, I hope it's a hit.
okanbill
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Cool, the more football the better
knackered
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Well done ITV first it was PBC Boxing now La Liga BBC should learn from this.
typhoone
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Good news, it could be an interesting season with Atl, Real much changed with new signings.
Landtiger
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Six decent fixtures involving three teams, that's it.
Yahoobaby
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La Liga will actually be exciting to watch. Its Athletico Madrid's title for the taking this year. Sold Greaseboy to Barca who will turn out an expensive flop, replaced him with Joao Felix who is propel them to the title. Meanwhile Real Madrid still lives in la la land. It will be fun to see them getting humiliated live on ITV by Getafe, Espanyol and Real Betis
teardrop
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How much live football can you watch. I mean seriously, Levante v Getafe anyone? Mind you that probably beats Burnley v Southampton to be fair
Mickmerlin
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Great news cant wait to tune in. Well done ITV great way to get more viewers and reward us at the same time something sky and bt could learn from.
ausoga
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Didn't even watch Spanish football when I was paying for it
kissyou
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Can't watch English clubs free but a deal can be reached for Spanish teams it's a joke
Derrick552
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Let me guess all games except Barca Real?
bulemooe
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Just get Our own games back on terrestrial TV
NBA22
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Best league in the world just ask hazard and Trippier
Lanpandra
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El Classico on ITV? Cant wait. Everyone thats streams it for free in the U.K. plus watches all the matches involving Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia and Atletico Madrid will be watching it for free. Its a win win and the viewing figures might surprise everyone.
Adobelive
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Well done ITV.. I dont mind the adverts
ponderous
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That's good news. It's ironic you get zillions more British games shown in most other countries, but unless you've got BT or Sky you have to settle for MOTD.
nacibill
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Great business from ITV, picked up for a song and with their terrestrial reach and subsequent advertising revenue, it will more than pay for the rights.
Kolagay
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Best news for paying and free TV service, never thought I'd say this... But well done ITV Sport.
Trinityby
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RM, Barca and Atletico are obviously the main draws. Well done ITV.
Cynthiares
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Fantastic news well done ITV.
Jularbal
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YES! Cancelled my plans for tomorrow night!
masterfor
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We can watch Zidane get sacked in HD... ha ha
Cooper5
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It's a shame we still get our pants pulled down over english football
poser
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Wow reminds of me of the good old days when football matches of top leagues were on free tv!
cape
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Hopefully it has some nice Spanish presenters to look at than the dross we get like Sue Barker and that awful Gabby Logan
keduo
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Great stuff can't beat a bit of free to air football.
typewriter
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It's a boring league but free football isn't so bad
benladan
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A coup from ITV well done. Wish some English games are shown on Terrestrial TV.
Maxwelle
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Free football? No complaints from me.
Justiceasamoah
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nice thou