Broadcasters ARD and ZDF will share the exclusive free-to-air television rights for the DFB-Pokal from 2026 with RTL.
In a significant shift for German football, it has been announced that several broadcasters will be sharing the rights to show the DFB-Pokal, a popular German football tournament, from the 2026/27 season to 2029/30.
As reported in May, ARD will continue to show up to eight live games per season of the DFB-Pokal. However, the further rights to the 7 to 8 games per season have been acquired by the public broadcaster ZDF and the free-to-air private broadcaster RTL. Each will broadcast 15 games in total during this period, with RTL entering live broadcasts in the 2026/27 season.
Sky, on the other hand, will continue to have exclusive rights to show all 63 matches of the DFB-Pokal. The package includes highlight rights for free TV and streaming, ensuring that a total of 15 live matches of the DFB-Pokal will continue to be shown on free TV.
ZDF Sports Director Yorck Polus is pleased about the addition of live men's DFB-Pokal matches to their offering. RTL has also expressed excitement about acquiring the live rights for the tournament.
The division of the second rights package means that ZDF will show fewer live games per season than initially reported in May (up to eight instead of up to 15). This division ensures that a total of 15 live matches of the DFB-Pokal will be shown on free TV, with both ZDF and RTL contributing.
It's worth noting that previously, the second rights package had not yet been awarded. "Kicker" secured its first highlight package in May. The live broadcasts and highlights will be available on both TV and online platforms, making it easier for fans to follow the action.
The second rights package, which was not awarded earlier due to unsatisfactory offers, has now been divided between ZDF and RTL. This move is expected to bring more variety and excitement to the viewing experience for DFB-Pokal fans across Germany.
