With K+ shutting down, where will Vietnamese fans watch the Premier League?

05/12/2025 12:43:00 SportScoop

Paid TV users in Vietnam are stirred up by the news that K+, the long-time Premier League rights holder, is likely to cease operations starting January 1, 2026. This has caused millions of fans to worry about the future of the world's most exciting football league on legitimate platforms in Vietnam.

On December 3, Saigontourist Cable Television Company (SCTV) issued a notice about stopping all K+ channel packages on its network from early 2026. SCTV quoted a statement from VSTV, the owner of the K+ brand, saying the decision to completely stop service will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Although VSTV has not released an official statement, this strong move from a major partner nearly confirms that K+ is preparing to withdraw from the market after 16 years of operation.

The biggest concern among viewers now is the future of Premier League broadcasting rights in Vietnam. This has been the most watched and valuable content package of K+ for many years.

According to several reliable sources, FPT Play — the internet TV platform under FPT Telecom — is likely to take over the Premier League rights contract from K+. Official details are expected to be announced next week.

K+ was launched in 2009.

Since its launch in 2009, K+ made a strong impression by offering a premium pay-TV model with the "specialty" of top world football leagues. However, this "giant" has gradually declined in recent years.

The main reason is K+'s slow adaptation to Internet and OTT trends, while the traditional TV market keeps shrinking. Additionally, widespread piracy, especially of football, and copyright violations by many users have steadily eroded K+'s revenue.

Rumors about K+'s possible exit first appeared in July, when Canal+ (France) — a strategic shareholder — considered leaving the market due to growing accumulated losses and no clear resolution. Canal+ leaders even mentioned the possibility of a major restructuring or complete shutdown in Vietnam.

If K+ truly leaves, it will close a pay-TV era lasting over a decade and open the door for OTT platforms like FPT Play to dominate the sports rights market in Vietnam.

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