BRUSSELS/COLOGNE (dpa-AFX) - Following the approved acquisition of pay-TV broadcaster Sky by RTL Group, RTL Germany CEO Stephan Schmitter has outlined initial plans for sports coverage. Approximately ten months after the acquisition plan was announced, the European Commission granted unconditional clearance for the deal. The transaction is expected to close on June 1, 2026.
Schmitter told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that "more 1. and 2. Bundesliga matches than ever before will be broadcast on free-to-air TV on RTL." He emphasized that everyone should have the opportunity to watch attractive fixtures. "We will attempt to extract the maximum value from the rights package for the fans."
Pay-TV operator Sky currently holds the rights to all 63 DFB-Pokal (German Cup) matches. "We plan to make these matches available on RTL+ in the future. This will allow RTL+ subscribers to follow the entire DFB-Pokal," the RTL CEO stated. "This way, we also reach our audience in smaller towns and locations where a DFB-Pokal match is a major highlight."
Sky to regain European competition coverage
Conversely, RTL+ is currently the home of the Europa League. "In the future, these top international matches are also intended to air on Sky. This will turn Thursday into a football day for everyone, and Sky customers will receive a broader offering at no additional cost," said Schmitter.
RTL Group holds the rights to the Europa League and the Conference League only until 2027. However, the Cologne-based broadcaster will present 15 DFB-Pokal matches on free-to-air TV over the four seasons from 2026/27 to 2029/30.
Overall, RTL Group has recently expanded its sports portfolio. From the German Football League (DFL), it acquired, among other things, the top-tier 2. Bundesliga matches on Saturday evenings. RTL's football portfolio also includes live matches of the German national football team.
Sky's focus remains on sports
Since its inception, Sky's focus has been on sports, particularly football. Internally, approximately 80 percent of subscribers are considered sports customers. Sky's most significant sports rights include the Friday and Saturday Bundesliga fixtures, as well as the entire 2. Bundesliga. Other key rights include the English Premier League, Formula 1, and tennis.
RTL and Sky have frequently exchanged rights in recent years. For instance, RTL was recently permitted to broadcast seven Formula 1 races on free-to-air TV. For the current season of the premier motorsport series, no agreement has yet been reached between the two broadcasters./svv/DP/stk
