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In May 2025, Italy’s Council of State upheld a Ligurian court ruling that the city holds legal authority over the “Festival della Canzone Italiana” trademark, and any assignment of its organisation must go through an open tender process. RAI was the only bidder for the festival through 2028, but negotiations over the new contract have stalled.
RAI reportedly gave the City of Sanremo until 1 August to finalise the preliminary legal and financial terms. If no agreement could be reached, the broadcaster stated it would consider relocating the festival entirely, despite having already announced dates for 2026.
With that self-imposed deadline now passed, insiders claim RAI has been considering relocating the festival with Torino favoured, having recently hosted the Eurovision Song Contest. This would mean rebranding the festival – possibly as the “Italian Song Contest Rai”, “Festival Rai della Musica Italiana” – detaching it from Sanremo forever.
Despite RAI ‘winning’ the tender, the ongoing dispute centres on money. Sanremo wants 1% of RAI’s advertising revenue. RAI has so far refused to budge. There’s also a suggestion of fudging numbers with the broadcaster claiming annual revenues of about €40 million, versus local estimates that put the sum closer to €70–75 million.
More tedious power play politics will, undoubtedly follow.
