ESPN Gets Bundesliga Rights in UK Until 2015

ESPN UK has signed a new multi-year rights deal for German Bundesliga football until 2015

The majority Disney-owned ESPN has today announced a new deal with DFL Sports Enterprises, the body responsible for all domestic and international sales of commercial rights of the Bundesliga.

The three-season agreement means that live coverage of the Bundesliga will remain on ESPN in the UK and Ireland from next season up to 2014/15. The broadcaster has shown German football since 2009.

ESPN will have exclusive rights to televise games from the League live in the UK, as Bayern Munich attempt to wrestle back the Bundesliga title from Borussia Dortmund. It will also screen action from the German Supercup, as well as highlights packages and video on-demand.

“We’re very pleased to continue our successful partnership with ESPN in the UK and Ireland. ESPN has been an excellent and most reliable partner for years, not only in the UK but in several parts of the world, among others in Brazil and the US,” said Jörg Daubitzer, the managing director of DFL Sports Enterprises.

ESPN’s Jeroen Oerlemans added: “The Bundesliga is a fantastic league that features some of the best football in Europe and we’re very pleased to continue our relationship with them for another three seasons.

“UK football fans are among the most engaged and knowledgeable about the game. They appreciate top quality play, players and clubs, and keeping the Bundesliga as a key part of our schedule alongside other top football and a range of other sport serves those fans well.”