July 17 – The Polish Ekstraklasa has finally cracked the North American code. After years of European leagues jockeying for position in the increasingly lucrative US and Canadian markets, Poland’s top flight has secured its first ever broadcast deal across the Atlantic with beIN Media Group.
It’s a two-season arrangement covering 2025/26 and 2026/27 that could change everything for a league that’s been flying under the radar.
Make no mistake—this isn’t just another broadcast deal. This is strategic positioning at its finest. While the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A duke it out for primetime slots, the Ekstraklasa has found its window. League president Marcin Animucki isn’t shy about the timing: “We’re entering the American market at an ideal time. Our league starts around a month earlier than most major European leagues, meaning we’ll have a window of opportunity to attract attention without competition.”
Already an established player in the USA, beIN Sports knows a thing or two about building audiences for emerging leagues. They’ve already established themselves as the go-to destination for the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Copa Libertadores. Now they’re adding Polish football to a portfolio that reaches 9 million English-speaking households across the US, with another 6 million tuning in via Spanish-language broadcasts. Their digital platform boasts a staggering 120 million monthly users globally.
What’s particularly clever is how the Ekstraklasa has structured this deal. It’s non-exclusive, keeping their own Ekstraklasa.TV platform operational for international viewers while simultaneously opening up the North American market through traditional broadcast channels. They’re also maintaining their data partnerships with betting operators through IMG Arena, ensuring multiple revenue streams remain intact.
This could be the blueprint for other emerging European leagues looking to make their mark in North America. Start early, avoid the traffic, and partner with broadcasters who understand how to build audiences from the ground up. The Ekstraklasa isn’t just entering the American market—they’re potentially redefining how European leagues think about North American expansion.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1754234895labto1754234895ofdlr1754234895owedi1754234895sni@o1754234895fni1754234895