Band Suspends Saudi Championship After Betting Sponsorship Ban in Brazil

Band suspended its broadcasting contract for the Saudi football Championship for the 2026/2027 season because the sponsorship from a betting operator ceased to exist with the sector's ban. The decision was reported on October 14, 2026, by the Outro Canal column, by Gabriel Vaquer, in Folha de S.Paulo.

The contract covered more than 70 matches on free-to-air TV and on BandSports, according to the column. The federal government's provisional measure ordered the removal of advertising and sponsorships from betting operators by October 5, according to Poder360. Without that advertiser, the broadcaster was unable to make the airing of the matches viable, according to Correio Braziliense. The Saudi Championship was the only foreign football league that Band broadcast on free-to-air TV, BNLData reported.

Match canceled before the formal suspension

Band had scheduled the broadcast of Al Hilal vs. Al Ittihad for Saturday, October 10, but canceled the match approximately 24 hours before kickoff, according to BNLData. The broadcaster changed its sports schedule after the match was pulled, according to Correio Braziliense.

Contracts with betting operators and search for new sponsors

Of all the television networks, Band had the largest number of contracts with betting brands, according to Correio Braziliense. With the regulatory changes, the broadcaster is looking for new sponsors to replace those brands, according to Terra.

Where to watch the Saudi Championship in Brazil

Without Band, X Sports becomes the only free-to-air broadcaster with the Saudi Championship, according to Correio Braziliense and Terra. On pay TV, SporTV holds a broadcasting contract through 2028, according to Correio Braziliense.