The BBC has secured a strategic sub-licensing agreement with DAZN to bring Italian top-flight soccer to free-to-air television in the UK. This deal specifically targets the growing interest in Scottish talent currently playing in Serie A.
Scottish “Golden Era” in Italy
The agreement allows the BBC’s Gaelic-language channel, BBC Alba, to broadcast eight live fixtures through the remainder of the 2025-26 season. Matches will also be available for streaming via BBC iPlayer.
The move highlights a historic high for Scottish representation in Italy, with seven internationals currently plying their trade in the division:
- Scott McTominay & Billy Gilmour (Napoli)
- Lewis Ferguson (Bologna)
- Che Adams (Torino)
- Lennon Miller (Udinese)
- Josh Doig (Sassuolo)
- Kieron Bowie (Hellas Verona)
Strategic Build-up to the World Cup
With Scotland returning to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 for the first time since 1998, the BBC is capitalizing on the “Tartan Army’s” desire to follow their key players’ progress in one of Europe’s elite leagues.
The coverage features Gaelic-language commentary, while DAZN retains the rights to broadcast the same matches in English. This partnership follows a series of soccer rights acquisitions by the BBC, including highlights for LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League, as well as live matches for the Frauen-Bundesliga and UEFA Women’s Champions League.