Gol TV Renew US Rights for German Bundesliga Until 2015

American-based company Gol TV have extended their deal with DFL Sports Enterprises for rights to Germany’s top soccer league, the Bundesliga, for three more seasons.

The deal gives Gol TV multimedia Bundesliga rights in the U.S. and Canada for the 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons.

The extension comes as the league’s current contract with the bilingual network, which presents its expansive soccer coverage in both Spanish and English, is set to expire in mid-2012, following the conclusion of the current campaign.

The agreement is for one of Gol’s four cornerstone leagues: the network also presents match and shoulder programming around Spain’s La Liga and top circuits in Brazil and Colombia.

Rodrigo Lombello, COO of Gol TV, said: “This is our third renewal with the Bundesliga. They’ve been with Gol TV almost from the beginning,.”

Lombello notes the Bundesliga’s appeal among its non-Hispanic viewers is also an important component for Gol.

“Naturally, there is some overlap. But, the Bundesliga draws mostly a different audience for us,” he said.

Under the current deal, Gol TV has been airing three matches per weekend, and sublicenses two others to ESPN Deportes and ESPN3.com. Lombello. It also airs ancillary fare like Hallo Bundesliga and Goal! The Bundesliga Magazine, which are produced by DFL.

Joerg Daubitzer, managing director of DFL Sports Enterprises, said: “We selected GolTV because of its large and loyal viewership. Our partnership with GolTV ensures that Bundesliga maintains high exposure in these top markets with matches, as well as special programming such as Hallo Bundesliga and Goal! The Bundesliga Magazine.”

Lombello said the Bundesliga ratings have improved substantially this campaign, a combination of increased distribution — Gol TV now counts some 15 million Spanish- and English-language subscribers — and heightened interest in the world’s game in the U.S.

“Our Bundesliga impressions are up 85% this season and La Liga is up 60%. Yes, some of it has do with being in more homes.I think you’ll hear the same thing, though, from ESPN and Fox Soccer, soccer ratings are up,” he said.