French viewers face a possible EuroLeague blackout, as broadcasters clash / News - Basketnews.com

L'Equipe, who hold the LNB broadcasting license, has sent a termination letter to SKWEEK, a platform that broadcasts EuroLeague, EuroCup, and LNB. FedCom Media, who own SKWEEK, reportedly haven't paid for production since November. In response, the platform released a statement.

Credit: Alfonso Cannavacciuolo via Getty Images Credit Alfonso Cannavacciuolo via Getty Images

An unprecedented situation happened on Wednesday when the French League (LNB) game between AS Monaco and Roanne was not broadcast. A public disagreement between two broadcasters has been simmering since.

Points this season

47%81,9Points made:81,9Accuracy:46,7%Place in standings:8Record max:107Record min:59Best scorer:Mike JamesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

21 Production, the production company of the L'Equipe Group, sent a termination letter to FedCom Media, which SKWEEK, the platform that broadcasts the EuroLeague, EuroCup, and LNB, on Wednesday, letting them know about the possible steps it might take further down the road.

According to a report by L'Equipe, 21 Production has been covering the costs of production for months, and it was no longer possible, hence, the termination letter was sent.

The renowned French media outlet reports that FedCom Media hasn't paid for the production since November.

L'Equipe notes that it's possible a similar letter might be sent by the EuroLeague as well, depriving French viewers of the EuroLeague playoffs, which start next week.

In response, SKWEEK released a statement claiming that everything is in order and that L'Equipe is to blame. L'Equipe, meanwhile, has a platform of its own, broadcasting several LNB games each week.

"We were surprised to learn yesterday that L’Équipe 24/24 intends to prematurely terminate the sub-license agreement of the broadcast rights, whereas Fedcom Media has paid in full all the sum due under this sub-license agreement. The termination of this sub-license agreement is mistakenly based on the existence of a dispute between Fedcom Media and 21 Production. The difficulties encountered by Fedcom Media and one of its service providers should not in any way impact the proper execution of the sub-licensing agreement," the statement claims.

"SKWEEK has repeatedly tried to discuss production issues with 21 Production and has even proposed constructive mediation, but unfortunately, its requests have fallen on deaf ears. Therefore, Fedcom Media intends to enforce all its rights under the sub-license agreement and reiterates its willingness to broadcast all the matches of the French basketball championship on SKWEEK from this weekend until the end of the season," the company writes.

The platform and its parent company have been experiencing financial issues for quite some time.

However, SKWEEK's CEO Oleg Petrov claimed in March that everything would be paid, even if it meant paying extra interest.

SKWEEK was launched in 2022 with high investments from the AS Monaco owner Alexey Fedorychev, who owns the FedCom Media.

SKWEEK is also a major sponsor of LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne. However, only a part of the pre-agreed sponsorship has been paid, and the club will have to lower the budget next year, president Tony Parker has said.

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