Bundesliga Expands UK Distribution with FAST Channel Launch
- German soccer's Bundesliga is expanding its reach in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the launch of its first free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel.
- The launch of the FAST channel follows a notable overhaul of the Bundesliga's broadcast arrangements in the UK and Ireland, announced earlier in 2023.
- Pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports now has the first pick of fixtures each Saturday evening.
Bundesliga Launches First FAST Channel in UK and Ireland
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German soccer’s Bundesliga is expanding its reach in the United Kingdom and Ireland with the launch of its first free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel. This move bolsters the league’s distribution in a key international market, capitalizing on growing interest fueled by prominent English players.
Published December 6, 2023
key Details
- The channel launched on the Samsung TV Plus streaming service as part of a multi-year partnership.
- Programming includes live coverage of all Friday night games from the top-flight Bundesliga and one Bundesliga 2 fixture per kick-off slot.
- The content mix extends beyond live games to include highlights, interviews, press conferences, behind-the-scenes features, archive footage, classic matches, and documentaries.
- The channel is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, and Samsung Smart Monitor devices.
- Content distribution and monetization specialist Wurl is supporting the launch.
Broadcast Rights Overhaul
The launch of the FAST channel follows a notable overhaul of the Bundesliga’s broadcast arrangements in the UK and Ireland, announced earlier in 2023. This new strategy aims to broaden access to Bundesliga content.
Pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports now has the first pick of fixtures each Saturday evening. Amazon Prime Video secures the rights to all Sunday afternoon games, available through pay-per-view (PPV).
All Friday night games are streamed on the BBC‘s digital platforms and the Bundesliga’s official YouTube account.
Notably, up to 20 Friday night fixtures are also being shown on ‘The Overlap’ and ‘That’s Football’ – the YouTube channels of football content creators Mark Goldbridge.
Growing Interest and Key Players
the addition of the FAST channel is designed to further increase the visibility of Bundesliga content in the UK and Ireland. this is particularly relevant given the growing interest in the league, driven in part by the presence of English players such as national team captain Harry Kane (bayern Munich), Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland, on loan from bundesliga club Udinese), and Jarell Quansah (Liverpool, who has been scouted by Bundesliga clubs).
Executive Commentary
Following the strong response to our new UK partnerships earlier this year, we’re proud to expand our footprint once again,
Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International chief executive
Naubert added, This launch shows that the Bundesliga doesn’t just talk about innovation – we deliver it, bringing world-class football to fans wherever they are.