Published on: July 3, 2026
Z has strengthened its sports portfolio by acquiring the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for Germany’s top-tier football league, the Bundesliga, in India for the next five years.
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, Bundesliga matches will be available exclusively on Zee5 for digital streaming, while Unite8 Sports channels will televise the competition. The agreement covers live matches, highlights, and additional football-related programming.
The latest acquisition builds on Z’s earlier collaboration with FIFA and further expands its lineup of premium international football content for Indian audiences.
Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer – Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, 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 to 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.”
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.”
Earlier this year, Z also announced that 15% of Zee5’s football subscription revenue would be directed towards initiatives focused on discovering and nurturing young football talent across India.
According to the company, the Bundesliga’s fan base in India has grown by more than 50% over the past four seasons. The league has also expanded its presence in the country through youth development initiatives, club activations, and fan engagement programmes.
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