Germany's public broadcaster ZDF and commercial network RTL have successfully secured the remaining domestic rights package to the DFB-Pokal, Germany's premier men's knockout soccer competition. The four-year deal will run through the 2029-30 season.
The agreement, which was reached with German club soccer’s governing body, DFB, allows both broadcasters to share the awarded free-to-air (FTA) rights package. This means that each network will air 15 matches each year from the 2026-27 campaign onwards. Notably, this includes one final per year. In addition to live games, this package also encompasses highlights and clips of matches.
DFB managing director, Holger Blask, said:
“With our existing partners ARD, ZDF, and Sky, as well as our new live and highlight partner RTL, the DFB Cup will gain even more comprehensive media exposure. The decision not to award the rights package in May has proven to be the right one. As a result, we are ensuring economic stability for all participating clubs and guaranteeing fans very high visibility on both pay and free TV in the future.”
Building on existing agreements
This new deal builds upon ZDF’s existing broadcasting rights for the competition. Since 2022-23, it has been airing matches alongside fellow public broadcaster ARD; however, their current agreement is set to expire at the end of the ongoing 2025-26 campaign.
The recent acquisition completes a four-year domestic rights cycle for future competitions. Pay-TV giant Sky had already been awarded a significant portion of these rights (63 matches) after an initial tender in May. At that time ARD also secured a smaller FTA games package (15 matches).
During this first tender process though, there were some challenges faced by DFB in awarding all FTA packages due to low bids received from interested parties. The governing body stated: “Although there was market interest, there was no economically adequate offer.” However following further negotiations with interested broadcasters a follow-up auction took place where ZDF and RTL successfully acquired remaining broadcasting rights.
Big market for broadcasters
This acquisition marks a significant expansion for RTL's soccer portfolio. Already known for broadcasting matches involving the German national team, the network also holds rights to UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League matches. In addition, it features games from England’s Premier League and showcases the top match of the second-tier 2.Bundesliga. This new deal further solidifies RTL's position in the realm of soccer broadcasting.
ZDF, on the other hand, alongside ARD holds broadcasting rights for games involving both women’s and men’s national teams until 2027 and 2028 respectively. The two public broadcasters have also secured rights to broadcast the 2028 UEFA European Championship national teams competition.
This new agreement between ZDF, RTL and DFB ensures that sports fans will continue to enjoy comprehensive coverage of Germany's top men's knockout soccer competition for years to come.
