The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially ended negotiations with StarTimes regarding the renewal of its media broadcast rights agreement. This decision follows the expiration of the previous contract at the conclusion of the 2023/24 football season. Despite efforts to extend the partnership, both parties were unable to reach a consensus on the terms for renewal.

Breakdown of Negotiations

Discussions between the GFA and StarTimes had been ongoing since the previous contract expired. However, after months of deliberation, the association formally ceased negotiations in March 2025. The inability to agree on key contractual terms ultimately led to the termination of talks.

Financial Dispute

One of the major points of contention in the negotiations was an outstanding debt owed by StarTimes to the GFA.. The association has officially demanded payment of USD 842,173.36, which remains unpaid from the previous agreement. In response, the GFA has engaged legal counsel and initiated formal proceedings to recover the amount.

Impact on Ghanaian Football

The conclusion of the StarTimes partnership leaves a significant gap in media coverage for Ghana’s top-flight football leagues. StarTimes had been a key broadcast partner since 2017, providing coverage for the Ghana Premier League and other domestic competitions. With the termination of this agreement, the GFA is now expected to explore alternative media partnerships to ensure continued visibility for Ghanaian football.

Future Media Partnerships

Despite the setback, the GFA remains committed to securing a transparent, fair, and mutually beneficial media rights agreement that aligns with the interests of clubs, stakeholders, and fans. The association is actively seeking new broadcast partners who can provide comprehensive coverage and financial stability for Ghanaian football.

Legal Action and Next Steps

The GFA has retained legal counsel to pursue the outstanding debt owed by StarTimes. Formal processes have commenced to ensure the recovery of funds, which are crucial for the association’s operations and development initiatives. Meanwhile, discussions with potential media partners are expected to intensify in the coming months as the GFA works toward securing a new broadcast deal.

The termination of negotiations with StarTimes marks a pivotal moment for Ghanaian football. While the loss of a long-standing broadcast partner presents challenges, it also opens the door for new opportunities. The GFA’s commitment to transparency and fairness in securing a new media rights agreement will be crucial in shaping the future of football coverage in Ghana.

Source: Gfa