May 22, 2026, 8:40 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The German Football Association (DFB) is expanding its media offerings by launching its own 24/7 soccer channel, DFB.TV. Despite the already large number of sports and streaming platforms, the association is focusing on additional content related to German soccer.
The channel DFB.TV is being created in collaboration with the media company Sportainment and will initially launch on May 22 at 3 p.m. through various partner platforms. At the start, it will feature a linear 24/7 program with live games, magazines, and archive material. Just one day later, on May 23, the channel will broadcast the “Final Day of Amateurs” live.
DFB.TV will be available on platforms such as Sky, where it can be accessed in the Entertainment package and via WOW in the live sports subscription. According to Sky, distribution will occur via IP, requiring an internet connection for the receiver. Additionally, DFB.TV will be accessible through platforms like DAZN, HD+, Vodafone, and Zattoo. The DFB also plans to launch its own app, DFB.TV+, which will offer both the linear program and on-demand content.
Reports on the World Cup
The content primarily focuses on competitions and games whose TV rights have been only partially or not at all marketed. This includes broadcasts from the 2nd Women’s Bundesliga, junior national team games, and amateur competitions. The program is supplemented by summaries and archive material, including games from the men’s and women’s DFB-Pokal, the 3rd League, or the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
Around the upcoming World Cup, the channel aims to provide additional content beyond the actual live games. While the matches will continue to be broadcast by ARD, ZDF, and Telekom, DFB.TV plans to offer press conferences with players and coaches, insights into training sessions, and reports from the “German House of Soccer” in New York. During the tournament, public viewings, events, and fan activities are planned there.
In addition to live sports, the channel also focuses on magazines, interviews, documentaries, and historical content from the DFB archive. This includes contributions on the association’s history or cup draws.
Also of interest: ARD and ZDF are Shutting Down TV Channels! What’s Planned Now
Costs and Concept of the Offer
Access to DFB.TV requires a paid subscription. The monthly price is 5.99 euros, and the annual subscription costs 59.99 euros. To use the channel via Sky, an existing Sky subscription is also necessary. DFB.TV is included in the Entertainment package and via WOW in the live sports subscription. It is still unclear whether individual content will be available for free in the future or if the DFB will fully rely on a paid model.
With the comparatively low price, DFB.TV positions itself well below the costs of many major sports streaming services. At the same time, the offering focuses more on supplementary competitions, background reports, and archive material rather than the major, exclusive top rights in professional soccer.
How the offering will fare in the highly competitive market for soccer broadcasts remains to be seen. However, with its focus on additional competitions and background reports, the DFB seems to be trying to fill a gap alongside the established rights holders.