Zee Entertainment acquires Bundesliga rights in India until 2031
July 1, 2026 15.13 Europe/London By Jörn Krieger

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has acquired the exclusive broadcast and digital rights to Germany’s top-flight football league, the Bundesliga, in India for five seasons.

The agreement with the German Football League, of which financial details were not disclosed, will take effect from the start of the 2026-27 season and run until the end of the 2030-31 campaign. Bundesliga matches will be available exclusively on Zee’s streaming platform Zee5 and its Unite8 Sports television channels across India.

The deal follows Zee’s recent efforts to expand its presence in international sports and comes after the company secured a partnership with FIFA. Alongside live matches, viewers will have access to highlights and additional football programming.

Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer of Unite8 Sports at Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said the Bundesliga’s reputation for developing young talent and featuring international stars made it an attractive property for Indian audiences. “Our partnership aims 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,” Janavlekar said.

According to Zee, the company and the Bundesliga will launch a “Z x Bundesliga Football Week” initiative featuring grassroots football clinics and development programmes for young players across India.

Peer Naubert, Chief Commercial Officer of Bundesliga Media, said the league viewed India as a long-term strategic market. “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,” Naubert said, adding: “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 football strategy, Zee previously pledged to invest 15% of Zee5’s football-related subscription revenue in programmes aimed at identifying and developing young football talent in India.

According to the Bundesliga, its fan base in India has increased by more than 50% over the past four seasons, supported by youth development initiatives, club activations and fan engagement programmes.