Al Jazeera linked to move for Spain’s Mediapro

Al Jazeera is in talks to acquire Spanish producer Mediapro, according to local reports.

The Qatari state funded broadcaster has been aggressively rolling out channels internationally and has also been acquiring key sports rights.

A deal for Mediapro would give Al Jazeera rights to several key soccer clubs and competitions including games from Barcelona and Real Madrid. Mediapro and Al Jazeera have already worked together on the international distribution of soccer rights.

Spanish publication El Economista said that Al Jazeera and Medipro are in talks and “could soon announce an unprecedented operation in [Spain]”.

Mediapro produces and distributes sports as well as general entertainment content. Its sports rights arm has local rights to the main Spanish league as well as the Copa del Ray, Champions League and English Premier League competitions among others.

Outside of football, it is the local TV rights holder for Formula 1 and Euroleague Basketball.