DFL secures major tie-up with 21st Century Fox

The German Football League (DFL) has agreed a multi-year rights deal with 21st Century Fox encompassing the US media company’s properties across North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Commencing from the 2015-16 season of the Bundesliga, the agreements will run for a five-year term until 2019-20 in Asia and the Americas, and a two-year term until 2016-17 in Europe. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

In total, the agreements cover 80 countries or territories on the four continents and will span three units of 21st Century Fox in the shape of Fox International Channels and pay-television broadcasters Fox Sports and Sky Italia.

Under the terms of the agreements, 21st Century Fox will be granted exclusive rights, subject to certain reserved rights, to the Bundesliga in the Americas and Asia – excluding India and the Oceania region – as well as Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The deal includes rights to all 306 Bundesliga matches each year, as well as the DFL-Supercup and the Bundesliga relegation playoffs.

In addition, 21st Century Fox will attain digital distribution rights, including the ability to make DFL content available through new and existing authenticated online television services, as well as on mobile devices in the contracted territories.

Christian Seifert, chief executive of the DFL, said: “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.”