Spain’s La Liga, Banijay Iberia partner on sports-focused production company

Karim Benzema of reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid (photo: Chris Deahr via CC)

Banijay Iberia has struck a partnership with Spanish top-flight football division La Liga to launch sports-focused prodco La Liga Studios.

The Spanish arm of the European production giant will create a variety of content in collaboration with La Liga, in which world-famous clubs such as Real Madrid and FC Barcelona currently compete.

La Liga Studios will be led by MD and executive producer Chalo Bonifacino, who is charged with overseeing its international growth.

Bonifacino was previously head of development at Madrid-based Lee Films and has also worked as chief production officer at Picnic Content, which he founded.

La Liga Studios will produce entertainment, documentary and animated content for La Liga, football clubs, sponsors and broadcasters.

Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia, said: “We are eager to use our experience in the production and creation of premium content to tell these stories, with the highest quality standards, so they become known all over the world.”

Banijay Iberia makes local versions of shows including Temptation Island, Big Brother and MasterChef for the region.

“We have ambitious plans for La Liga Studios, including working with the best brands, so it was critical for us to find the perfect partner,” said Oscar Mayo, executive director of La Liga.