The Deutsche Fußball League and 21st Century Fox have reached a massive global media rights deal beginning in the 2015-2016 season that will make the German league available to “hundreds of millions” of fans across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The length of the contract is five years in the Americas and Asia and two years in Europe.
Fox Sports secures Bundesliga’s USA television rights beginning 2015-2016
The Deutsche Fußball League has reached a 5 year agreement with 21st Century Fox.
Alexander Hassenstein
The deal includes over 80 countries including the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Beginning in the 2015-16 season, the deal includes all 306 Bundesliga matches, DFL Supercup, and Bundesliga Relegation Playoffs. Fox is also obtaining exclusive rights to the Bundesliga’s digital distribution rights including online television services and mobile.
James Murdoch, Deputy COO of 21st Century Fox:
“Both on and off the pitch, the Bundesliga has grown to become one of the preeminent soccer leagues in the world. We look forward to partnering with the DFL over the next five years to leverage our unrivaled global portfolio of sports channels to bolster the Bundesliga brand in every corner of the globe.”
Christian Seifert, CEO of DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga:
“These agreements confirm that the Bundesliga has legitimately evolved to become a top international sports media property. 21st Century Fox is a global-scale partner that provides German soccer opportunities for worldwide exposure and future growth. We welcome these agreements as an expression of faith in the Bundesliga’s continued development over the coming years.”
For those of us in America, the announcement comes as a godsend. Since beIN Sport signed the rights for Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A away from Gol TV, fans of the Bundesliga have seen the channel disappear from cable system after cable system in this country. The games will be more readily available on Fox’s Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Fox Soccer Plus, and Fox Soccer 2 Go. Plus, we may even see a few games on Fox’s mothership.
The star of the Bundesliga has risen over the last few years on the back of the success achieved by Bayern Munich and to a lesser extend Borussia Dortmund; however, the league is plush with talent and is one of if not the most exciting and entertaining league in the world. The exposure given to other clubs such as Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen, Hannover 96, Borussia Mönchengladbach and others will help elevate the league to even greater heights around the world.
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