DFB Pokal (2026-2030): ARD & Sky extend their TV rights deals in Germany

The German public broadcaster ARD and the pay-TV operator Sky Deutschland have extended their domestic rights to broadcast the DFB-Pokal live over the 2026-2030 cycle (four seasons), announced the Deutscher Fussball Bund on 08/05/2025.

Sky Deutschland will continue to broadcast all 63 matches on pay-TV (from the first main round to the final) while ARD will offer "seven or eight matches" out of the 15 matches broadcast free-to-air each season.

"For the further free TV rights package with seven or eight games per season, the DFB has not accepted an offer received in consultation with its committees," said the body regarding the package, awarded to the public broadcasting group ZDF for the 2022-2026 cycle. "Following the invitation to tender, the DFB will now hold discussions with all interested market players with a view to awarding the rights. The right to broadcast the final changes from season to season with the purchaser of the rights package still to be awarded," added the body.

ARD and ZDF, however, retain the rights to broadcast highlights of all matches, twelve minutes after…