Overview

• Rai has formally submitted its bid to the Comune di Sanremo to retain rights to organize the Festival di Sanremo starting in 2026.
• The bid submission was required by the May 19 deadline, pending the Council of State’s decision on May 22, which could confirm or overturn the TAR ruling mandating a public tender.
• The TAR of Liguria ruled in December 2024 that the festival trademark, owned by the Comune di Sanremo, can be separated from Rai’s format, opening the event to competitive bidding.
• Rai argues that the festival’s trademark and format are inseparable, while other potential bidders, including Warner, are evaluating participation in the tender process.
• The tender requires a minimum financial commitment of €6.5 million, plus additional costs for production, broadcasting, and related events, which Rai has historically covered.