Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’) has strengthened its sports portfolio by acquiring the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for the German Football League’s Bundesliga in India for the next five years.
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Bundesliga matches will be available exclusively on the company’s streaming platform, Zee5, and across Unite8 Sports television channels. The coverage will include live matches, highlights and exclusive shoulder programming for football fans across the country.
The acquisition further expands ‘Z’s growing sports portfolio following its strategic partnership with FIFA and reinforces the company’s ambition to build a stronger football ecosystem in India. The Bundesliga rights are also expected to enhance the value proposition for Zee5 subscribers by adding one of Europe’s leading football leagues to its portfolio of premium sports content.
Commenting on the partnership, Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer – Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., said, “Bundesliga is one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, renowned for its passionate fan culture, world-class clubs and commitment to developing young talent. Through this partnership, viewers will have the opportunity to watch some of the biggest stars in world football, including Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich and many other top international talents who light up Bundesliga week after week, across the year. At ‘Z’, we remain committed to contributing towards the growth of football in India. Through this partnership, we aim to create a meaningful and lasting impact by supporting grassroots development, strengthening pathways for young talent and enabling fans to actively participate in the growth journey of football in India. Together with Bundesliga, we will also launch the ‘Z’ x Bundesliga Football Week, bringing grassroots football clinics and development programmes to young aspiring footballers across India, while providing access to world-class coaching expertise and international best practices.”
Speaking on the partnership, Peer Naubert, Chief Commercial Officer of Bundesliga Media, said “We have been investing in India for many years because we believe long-term relevance is built through sustained local engagement, not broadcast reach alone. India is not simply a market for the Bundesliga; it is a country where we have consistently invested in football, in partnerships and in people. This partnership with ‘Z’ reflects that philosophy. Their outstanding reach, local expertise and multi-platform capabilities will bring the Bundesliga closer to millions of fans across India. Just as importantly, our shared commitment to grassroots football means we are investing not only in audiences, but in the long-term development of the game itself. For us, media partnerships mark the beginning of a long-term relationship, not the end of a transaction. Together with ‘Z’, we want to inspire the next generation of Indian footballers, strengthen local football structures and deepen the connection between India and the Bundesliga for generations of football fans.”
As part of its long-term football development strategy, ‘Z’ had earlier committed to allocate 15% of Zee5’s football-related subscription revenues towards identifying, training and supporting young football talent across India. The company said the initiative enables every Zee5 football subscriber to contribute to the growth of the sport in the country.
Bundesliga has steadily expanded its presence in India through youth development initiatives, club partnerships and fan engagement programmes. According to the league, its fan base in India has grown by more than 50% over the past four seasons, reflecting the increasing popularity of football among Indian audiences.
With the Bundesliga rights acquisition, ‘Z’ said it remains focused on building a diversified sports portfolio featuring premium international sporting properties while supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem.
