ARD and ZDF claim rights to Germany’s home World Handball Championship

German public-service broadcasters ARD and ZDF have locked down rights to the men’s World Handball Championship on a long-term basis after agreeing a deal for next year’s tournament, which will be co-hosted by Germany and Denmark.

ARD and ZDF have struck the deal with the Lagardère Sports agency, granting free-to-exposure for the event in Germany for the first time since 2013.

ZDF will broadcast Germany’s opening game against Korea on January 10, with ARD taking the second group game against Russia on January 14.

The 2019 World Championship will run from January 10-27. Lagardère is distributing the worldwide rights following the collapse of former rights owner, the MP & Silva agency.

The ARD and ZDF deal also covers rights to the tournaments in 2021, 2023 and 2025.