RTL to look at Bundesliga rights after qualifiers success

RTL will explore a possible bid for the next cycle of domestic rights to the Bundesliga, the top division of football in Germany, according to the commercial broadcaster's programme director, Frank Hoffmann.

RTL's interest has been stoked by impressive viewing figures for the broadcaster's coverage of the Germany national team's qualifiers for the Uefa Euro 2016 national team tournament in France.

"Of course, success brings the desire for more," Hoffmann told the Sport Bild newspaper. "Therefore, we will also look very closely at the upcoming tender for football rights."

A tender for the next cycle of Bundesliga rights, from 2017-18 to 2020-21, is expected to be launched by the middle of 2016.

RTL has the rights for live coverage and highlights of all Germany qualifying games for the Euro 2016 and Fifa 2018 World Cup.