The German soccer’s Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) is set to re-auction its primary domestic media rights package. This decision comes after a court ruled in favour of global sports streaming service, DAZN, in a legal dispute with the league.
In an arbitration procedure under the rules of the German Institution of Arbitration (DIS), an arbitration tribunal partially upheld a lawsuit filed by DAZN at the end of April. The lawsuit was against the awarding of rights package B in the domestic media rights tender for seasons 2025-26 to 2028-29.
DAZN, one among two incumbent domestic rightsholders for DFL, initiated legal action against the league after losing out on Bundesliga's next rights cycle main package. They claimed that their bid was unlawfully rejected by DFL during tendering, leading to suspension of this process.
DAZN released a statement:
“DAZN is delighted that the court has ruled in our favor. We remain convinced that DAZN is the best partner for the DFL, for the clubs, and for German football fans. The reasons for the decision will be communicated to the parties in November. Against this background, the DFL is currently refraining from commenting further on the content.
“The DFL will announce details on the continuation of the media rights award after further substantive coordination in the DFL Executive Committee.”
The controversial rights Package B
Package B initially awarded to Sky includes matches played on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons and comprises a total of 196 games per season. It is believed that this five-year cycle Bundesliga rights package was also won by Sky during previous tenders.
However, following today’s court decision favouring DAZN's claim, it has been announced that Package B will be auctioned again through a new tender process. Despite their ongoing dispute in Germany, both parties have managed to maintain professional relationships elsewhere. For instance, mid-August saw OTT platform securing exclusive Bundesliga matches broadcasting rights for Spain from 2025-26 through till 2028-29 campaign season.
Bundesliga International - league’s global commercial rights division - negotiated this agreement with Peer Naubert as its chief marketing officer. Naubert recently stated that despite the unexpected dispute with DAZN, they have managed to maintain a professional relationship for conducting business.
The domestic tender and future opportunities
In the domestic tender, four live rights packages are reserved for pay-TV broadcasters. Two are technology-neutral covering Bundesliga 2 matches, and one is for free-to-air rights to at least nine live games across both leagues, Supercup, and post-season relegation playoffs.
The rights lots will cover 617 matches per season in total. There are also three audio rights packages on offer along with one covering 'digital out of home.'
New highlights rights packages have been created as well that can be used as early as Mondays following weekend's action. One of these focuses on digital platforms including broadcasting of 90-second clips. The DFL has also hinted at potential opportunities during the next cycle for social media clips to be posted during games.
