ZDF Secures Bundesliga Highlights for Four More Seasons
German public broadcaster ZDF has secured the rights to broadcast Bundesliga highlights for the next four seasons. The announcement solidifies ZDF’s continued partnership with one of the world’s most popular football leagues. The network will continue to deliver summaries of Friday and Saturday matches from both the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga, including the first glimpses of the top first division game on Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. on free-to-air television.
The “Current Sportstudio” Legacy Continues
The acquisition ensures the continuation of “The Current Sportstudio,” ZDF’s iconic sports program. A fixture in German homes since its debut in 1963, the program attracts millions of viewers every Saturday evening. The combination of star-studded guests, expert analysis, and thrilling highlights has cemented its position as a cornerstone of German sports broadcasting. The new rights agreement guarantees that this tradition will continue for at least four more seasons.
Pay TV Landscape: A Two-Subscription Future
While ZDF secures free-to-air highlights, the landscape for live Bundesliga matches is evolving. Starting next season, football fans will require two subscriptions to catch all the action. DAZN will continue to broadcast the Saturday conference call, alongside Sunday games. Sky has cemented its position by acquiring rights for the Friday evening game and all Saturday games, including the prime-time top game at 6:30 p.m.
Other Broadcaster Moves
ARD, Germany’s other prominent public broadcaster, has reportedly acquired the rights to broadcast summaries on Saturday afternoons through its popular sports program “Sportschau.”
RTL Group has reportedly secured the rights to broadcast the top game in the 2nd Bundesliga on Saturday evenings. No official statements have been made by any of the broadcasters or the DFL regarding these reports.
Final Rights Auction and Full Results
The auction for the remaining free-to-air television rights concludes on Wednesday. The full result are expected to be announced by Thursday after the general meeting. The continued digitalization of sports broadcasting means these auctions are increasingly complex, with streaming platforms vying for share alongside traditional broadcasters.
How does ZDF’s commitment to showcasing Bundesliga highlights for free impact the accessibility and growth of the sport in Germany?
## ZDF Scores Big with Bundesliga Highlights Deal: An Interview
**(Host):** Welcome back to the show! We have some big news in the world of German football. ZDF has just secured the rights to broadcast Bundesliga highlights for the next four seasons. Joining me today is [Guest Name], a football analyst and commentator. [Guest Name], thanks for being here!
**(Guest):** It’s great to be here!
**(Host):** This is a significant win for ZDF, isn’t it? Can you tell us what this means for football fans in Germany?
**(Guest):** Absolutely. This is fantastic news for fans who rely on free-to-air television for their Bundesliga fix. ZDF’s “Sportstudio,” with its highlights package, has been a Saturday night tradition for generations. This deal ensures that tradition continues, allowing fans to catch up on the action from the weekend’s matches, including those key glimpses of the top Saturday evening game. [[1](https://www.kicker.de/zdf-erhaelt-offenbar-bundesliga-rechte-fuer-sportstudio-1072140/artikel)]
**(Host):** And beyond tradition, what impact will this have on the broader football landscape in Germany?
**(Guest):** Well, ZDF’s commitment to showcasing the Bundesliga highlights for free keeps this beloved sport accessible to a wide audience. It’s particularly important for younger generations who might not have access to paid subscriptions. This level of visibility helps grow the fanbase and maintains the Bundesliga’s status as a major sporting event.
**(Host):** ZDF will be showing highlights from both the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga.
**(Guest):** That’s right! This is great news for fans of both leagues. Giving visibility to the 2nd Bundesliga is important for its development and attracting new fans.
**(Host):** [Guest Name], this is certainly exciting news. Thanks for sharing your insights with us today.