The auction of TV rights for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season has caused a lot of discussion in recent months. We’ll show you the current status of this issue.
The dispute over the Bundesliga TV rights continues. (Source: Image material: DAZN, DFL; background generated with Adobe Firefly; collage: Richard W. Schaber / Netzwelt)
- The Bundesliga will start the 2024/25 season on Friday, August 23. In the current season, the old TV contract still applies – that is, DAZN, Sat.1 and Sky share the broadcast of the games.
- Behind the scenes, negotiations about a new TV contract have been going on for months.
- The outcome is still uncertain. We will give you an overview of the situation.
In April of this year, the tender for the media rights to the Bundesliga and 2. Liga took place. This is a process that is subject to clear rules and guidelines, which is why a clear solution should normally be found. This was allegedly not the case in this case, which is why DAZN is in a legal dispute with the DFL.
This is what lies behind the dispute
Among the broadcasting rights there are several rights packages for which interested broadcasters can bid. This dispute concerns rights package B, which is considered the most extensive. It includes the Saturday and Friday games, which makes it particularly attractive in addition to its size. Consequently, the bidders are asking for considerable sums. This is precisely where the crux of the matter lies.
According to various media reports, DAZN submitted the highest bid in the bidding process, which amounted to 400 million dollars. Despite a significantly lower bid, Sky was awarded the contract. This would be according to the DFL
When can clubs and fans expect a decision?
Due to the delayed decision, it is not just fans who are left in the dark. The 36 affected clubs are also waiting for a timely decision, as they will ultimately receive a large portion of the money raised. DFL Managing Director Dr. Steffen Merkel announced that, ideally, a solution would be found by the end of the year.
If no agreement is reached, the matter could theoretically still go before a regular court. Such a legal dispute could drag on for years, which would be fatal for the teams in both leagues. According to a statement by a DAZN spokesperson in kicker but this is not an option.
You can currently follow the Bundesliga on these channels
At least the spectators still have some time until the start of the 2025/26 season. However, with the start of the 2024/25 Bundesliga on August 23, some of you may be wondering which subscriptions are required for this season. We will explain this in more detail in separate articles.
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