Fans of Eredivisie clubs left in limbo as games leave ESPN+

Fans wanting to watch the new season of Eredivisie will be disappointed to hear that ESPN+ is no longer the US broadcaster.

World Soccer Talk has confirmed that the Dutch Eredivisie was unable to renew its deal with ESPN+. As a result, broadcasts of the games are now in limbo. Subsequently, there is no way to legally watch the games in the United States.

In the meantime, the 2022/23 Eredivisie season begins Friday, August 5.

For fans of Dutch Eredivisie clubs, this is unfortunately a familiar feeling. For instance, another season is getting ready to begin, and the rights to the Dutch league are on the move again.

Prior to ESPN+ broadcasting the league since 2018, the Eredivisie has been shown across Fox Soccer Channel, ESPN2, GolTV, ESPN3, NGSN, OZ.com and Univision Deportes in addition to not being available anywhere for a season or two.

Eredivisie games leave ESPN+. What’s next?

World Soccer Talk has reached out to IMG, the rights broker who is responsible for selling the rights in the United States. As of press time, an IMG spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.

In spite of this, IMG is seeking a new broadcaster for the 2022/23 season of the Eredivisie. With plenty of streaming services available to offer the games, hopefully the Eredivisie will return to US airwaves in the immediate future.

However, facing so much competition from other leagues that play games at similar kickoff times, the Dutch Eredivisie always faces a struggle of trying to become relevant to viewers in the United States. In the same manner, the Dutch Eredivisie does feature competitive games played in stadiums with exciting atmospheres, but it’s seen as more of a feeder system for bigger leagues throughout the continent of Europe.

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