‘Z’ secures exclusive rights for Bundesliga in India
German top-flight signs exclusive broadcast and digital rights partnership across India from the 2026-27 season
Leading content and technology powerhouse, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘Z’), has further strengthened its sports portfolio by securing the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for the Bundesliga in India.
The multi-year partnership marks a significant milestone in ‘Z’s ambition to build a robust football ecosystem in the country, while bringing one of the world’s most competitive and widely followed football leagues closer to millions of fans.
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, Bundesliga matches will be available exclusively across ‘Z’s sports channels – Unite8 Sports, comprising four linear channels, as well as on its digital platform, Zee 5. Viewers across India will enjoy comprehensive coverage of live matches, highlights, and exclusive shoulder programming.
The partnership further reinforces the broadcaster’s growing presence in global sports, following its strategic investments in marquee sporting properties, which includes the FIFA World Cup 2026™, providing Zee 5 subscribers with access to one of Europe’s top football leagues.
With an extensive distribution network and a combined reach of over 1.4 billion viewers globally, ‘Z’ is uniquely positioned to continue growing the reach and popularity of Bundesliga across India, which has grown by more than 50% over the last four seasons, underscoring the growing popularity of German football amongst Indian audiences.
“The 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,” said Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer of Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises.
“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 the Bundesliga week after week. 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 India’s footballing journey.
“Together with Bundesliga, we will also launch the ‘Z’ x Bundesliga Football Week, bringing grassroots football clinics and development programmes to young aspiring footballers acrossIndia, while providing access to world-class coaching expertise and international best practices.”
As part of its long-term commitment to football development, ‘Z’ has pledged to contribute 15% of its football-related subscription revenues towards initiatives focused on identifying, nurturing and uplifting football talent across the country. Through this initiative, every Zee 5 football subscriber will have the opportunity to contribute towards building the future of football in India.
Furthermore, the two organisations will also roll out the ‘Z’ x Bundesliga Football Week, featuring football clinics and grassroots engagement programmes conducted by Bundesliga clubs across multiple cities in India. These initiatives will provide aspiring footballers access to world-class coaching methodologies and exposure to international best practices.
“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,” said Peer Naubert, Chief Commercial Officer of Bundesliga Media.
“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.”
Bundesliga has maintained a strong presence in India over the years through youth development programmes, club activations and fan engagement initiatives.
The league also continues to work closely with stakeholders across the country, including its ongoing collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, aimed at strengthening football structures, enhancing technical expertise and supporting the development of the sport at various levels.
What is the new partnership between Z and the Bundesliga?
Z has partnered with the Bundesliga to bring Germany’s top football league to Indian audiences while also promoting grassroots football development through coaching clinics, youth programmes and fan engagement initiatives.
Which Bundesliga stars will Indian viewers be able to watch?
Fans can watch leading Bundesliga players such as Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich and several other international football stars throughout the season.
What is the ‘Z x Bundesliga Football Week’?
The ‘Z x Bundesliga Football Week’ is a football development initiative featuring grassroots coaching clinics, youth engagement programmes and training sessions led by Bundesliga clubs across multiple cities in India.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.