The German football league (DFL) is reportedly talking to private equity firms about investing in a new international online subscription service.
The Financial Times reports the league is looking for investment in an OTT service as well as offering a minority stake in a new digital media company that will sell the Bundesliga’s international rights contracts, data services and other commercial propositions. The new company will not control the Bundesliga’s domestic rights.
The report adds that the DFL is looking to launch its new OTT offering in the Middle East after broadcaster beIN Sports decided not renew its rights deal. It states that the league is working with Israeli pay-TV company Charlton to launch the service in the region.
The DFL is looking to attract media companies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, who would buy the rights to matches but outsource the production and technology requirement to the Bundesliga itself, says the report.
