Title Contest in Bundesliga on ORF: Fixture for Championship Instead of Viennese Derby
Getting Close to the Final Whistle: The Race for Austrian Bundesliga TV Rights
Sky has been the exclusive broadcaster of the Austrian Bundesliga since 2018, but a new season is approaching and it's about time to decide who gets to hold the rights. The tender for the next season is currently underway, with offers due by May 19.
The last season, only four games were shown by ORF,but for this season, they have been given the chance to broadcast five games. However, one game from the upcoming 30th round is still up in the air.
The Tempting Derby That Couldn't Be
In the 31st round, the clash between Rapid and Sturm could be an option, especially if Sturm beats Salzburg on Friday and neither Austria wins the derby on Sunday nor WAC beats Blau-Weiß Linz. But unfortunately, ORF decided against showing it, hoping to wait until the weekend before making a decision.
The Title Decider on the Final Matchday
If the title decision goes down to the final matchday, ORF would probably take the match between Sturm and WAC, where both teams could become champions.
The Show Must Go On
Last season, the ORF was content with over 300,000 viewers for the cup final between WAC and Hartberg, which was more than for the last Bundesliga match they had broadcast.
Future Prospects
Canal is expected to join the race for the upcoming season's rights. While the ORF director general, Roland Weissmann, confirmed their involvement in the tender process, they will also have to consider the economic framework conditions. The 2nd league will remain a fixed point on ORF Sport for the next few seasons as well.
Without a clear winner or list of bidders for the Austrian Bundesliga, the only way to find out is to wait for official league announcements or trusted Austrian sports news outlets. The race is on, and only time will tell who will be the lucky broadcaster for the upcoming season.
- The economic and social principle guiding the race for the Austrian Bundesliga TV rights is likely to focus on the highest bidder, as multiple parties, including Sky and possibly Canal, are expected to be involved in the tender process.
- During the upcoming season, in addition to the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Austrian Bundesliga, the principal question for ORF is whether to show the derby between Rapid and Sturm, which could potentially decide the title, or wait for a more decisive match on a later date.
- The display of sports events, such as the Austrian Bundesliga matches, is a crucial element in attracting viewership, as demonstrated by ORF's over 300,000 viewers for last season's cup final.
- The broadcasters' renewed interest in football, with Bundesliga deals being contested, could have significant economic implications, as confirmed by ORF's director general, Roland Weissmann, who also acknowledged the need to consider the economic framework conditions.
