21st Century Fox and the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) on announced on Monday a series of multi-year agreements to deliver Bundesliga football to hundreds of millions of fans across North and South America, Europe and Asia via the former’s global portfolio of television assets.
The agreements call for a five-year term in Asia and the Americas, and a two-year term in Europe. Financial details were not disclosed.
The agreements will leverage 21st Century Fox’s global distribution footprint in territories such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, China (in English), Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands and many more.
In total, the agreements cover 80 countries or territories on four continents and will span three units of 21st Century Fox — Fox International Channels, 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, which will take effect with the 2015-16 season, 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.
“The Bundesliga has grown to become one of the pre-eminent soccer leagues in the world,” said James Murdoch, Deputy COO of 21st Century Fox.
Christian Seifert, CEO of DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga, stated on Monday, “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. We welcome these agreements as an expression of faith in the Bundesliga’s continued development over the coming years.”
The new agreements will also see 21st Century Fox benefit from Sky Deutschland’s status as an Official Partner and domestic broadcaster of the Bundesliga in Germany. Sky Deutschland’s production resources will guarantee fans the full breadth and depth of Bundesliga coverage and editorial expertise, presented in a style suited to each region local preferences.
