BBC has struck a deal to broadcast Serie A fixtures this season following an agreement to televise 38 matches starting this weekend. BBC Scotland are expected to spearhead the coverage, though games will also be available on iPlayer as the programming expands.
The programming is described as a network proposition, with BBC Scotland handling production duties. Last year, the broadcaster paid homage to Channel 4's Football Italia and capitalised on the nostalgia by featuring presenter James Richardson for a guest slot before Napoli's encounter with Bologna.
Expanded coverage across BBC platforms
During 2025/26, the BBC aired eight encounters from Italy's premier division. After 'fantastic feedback', one fixture from each round of matches will be screened throughout the campaign, split between BBC Scotland and BBC Alba.
The broadcasting rights will be divided between TNT Sports and DAZN, with BBC ALBA presenting matches using a combination of Gaelic and English commentary. A source informed the Scotsman that the choice to invest in the coverage was obvious.
"The opportunity to continue and expand our coverage across BBC iPlayer for the coming season was a no-brainer," they said. "We are bringing live European football to a free-to-air audience. Arguably, Serie A remains the most glamorous league in the world, and with even more British players this season. We hope the coverage goes down well."
Scottish players boost Serie A interest
Enthusiasm for Serie A has only grown in Scotland recently, with substantial representation in the competition. Scott McTominay's emergence as a standout performer in the league, as Napoli claimed the title in 2024/25, fired the public's imagination.
The former Manchester United midfielder is accompanied by Billy Gilmour in Campania as they aim to reclaim their crown from Inter Milan after coming up short last term.
It will be Josh Doig and Kieron Bowie who appear on television first. The Sassuolo pair will take on Atalanta in the opening fixture of the arrangement on Sunday, with the latter returning to the top flight on loan after suffering relegation with Verona in 2025/26.
Che Adams continues to represent Torino, while Lennon Miller will turn out for Udinese. Despite transfer rumours, Lewis Ferguson is anticipated to remain a Bologna player for now.
Media rights and investment background
In April, it emerged that Serie A had approached private equity investors regarding the potential sale of a minority stake in its international media rights operation. The league has encountered difficulties selling its media rights overseas, with the Champions League expansion and Premier League's popularity believed to have created challenges.
Last year, Serie A appointed JP Morgan to examine possibilities for a unit containing the league's international media rights. Investment firms Apollo, CVC, Ares and Sixth Street were all approached according to Reuters. La Liga and Ligue 1 have already witnessed investors acquire minority stakes in their media rights operations in return for immediate capital and revenue sharing.
