OneFootball, a digital platform based in Germany, has partnered with the Sportfive agency to broadcast the Bundesliga games for free through its application in Brazil.
Announcing an “innovative broadcast model”, OneFootball will broadcast all matches in the first and second division Bundesliga. The agreement will be valid for the next three seasons (2020-21 to 2022-23).
“After discussions focused on the future on how best to involve the Brazilian public, OneFootball and Sportfive, as a global sports business agency and comprehensive rights partner of DFL [German Football League], joined forces to create the structure for this distribution partnership ”, appears in the official note.
The settlement was closed shortly before the start of the 2020-21 season and comes after the Bundesliga International has held rights negotiations with broadcasters in Brazil in recent months. However, the Bundesliga maintained the option to sell the rights to one game per round to a broadcaster in the country.
OneFootball will also feature the German Super Cup and the access and relegation play-offs at the end of the season. The company also reached a broader agreement with Sportfive, aiming for free coverage of qualifying games in the Champions League and Europa League, of which the agency has international distribution rights.
Coverage will be available in “chosen” markets globally and will be sponsored by partner VBET, the bookmaker and casino platform.
OneFootball celebrates business aimed at the Brazilian market
“The agreement with OneFootball, in collaboration with Sportfive, reiterates our commitment to using technology for the good of fans. There is a rich history that unites German and Brazilian football. And, through this partnership, we can ensure that the Bundesliga continues to be an important part of the football culture, ”said Bundesliga International Chief Executive Robert Klein.
Nikolaus von Doetinchem, Sportfive’s media president, added: “Within this ever-changing media landscape, we are proud of this innovative broadcast model. Our ‘digital approach first’ results in great value for all parties involved and creates a huge and suitable platform for the Bundesliga’s international reach ”.
Lucas von Cranach, chief executive and founder of OneFootball, also spoke on the deal. “We continue to democratize football. Bringing games for free from one of the biggest leagues in the world to Brazil, where football is the most popular sport, is very exciting for us ”.
For Cranach, “by taking the action directly to Brazilian fans, free of charge and easily available at your fingertips, we take another step to become the definitive destination of football for a new generation”.
Recently, OneFootball has also renewed its distribution contract with German pay-TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland and will continue to offer German football coverage live to its users on a pay-per-view system.
