DFL shakes up the Bundesliga's old guard
How can the Bundesliga be sold to women and men in the future? Various scenarios are being played out at the DFL. There are no longer any guarantees for institutions; Formula 1 is to provide inspiration.
The bosses of the German Football League (DFL) left the future of the Bundesliga open in the ARD "Sportschau" on Saturday evening. With a view to the allocation of national TV rights from the 2025/26 season, there is "no guarantee for any time slot, format or broadcaster," DFL Co-Managing Director Steffen Merkel told "Sport Bild".
Until now, ARD has broadcast summaries of first and second division matches on free-to-air TV on Saturday evenings from 6.30 p.m. - at the same time as the evening Bundesliga match. Two scenarios have been submitted to the Federal Cartel Office, "one with a broadcasting window as we know it today. Which could go to the ARD 'Sportschau', but also to other free-to-air broadcasters," said Merkel, as well as "a later transmission window from 7.15 p.m. to 8.15 p.m.".
It is "clear that ARD has been the Bundesliga's longest-standing partner with 'Sportschau' since it was founded in 1963," the DFL boss continued. The fact that there are no guarantees before the contract is awarded in the second quarter of this year is "in the nature of an open tender". There is "extensive interest in more compact exploitation in the free-to-air sector on Saturday evenings".
More insights, not just for "hardcore fans"
In order to further develop the broadcasts, the DFL is also planning deeper insights into the teams. There needs to be "significantly more proximity than before", said Merkel, but it is not a question of "completely shifting the lever to entertainment, following the example of the US leagues". Instead, he cited brief interviews with players after the bus arrives, images from a camera installed in the dressing room and more access to the teams during the week as examples.
A league-wide documentary based on the example of the Netflix series "Drive to Survive" about Formula 1 is also part of the plan. This is "incredibly popular, not only appeals to hardcore fans, but has also brought many new fans to Formula 1 globally. We would expect the same from a possible Bundesliga documentary," said Merkel.
Read also:
- NFL kicker out injured, then something unbelievable happens!
- Taylor Swift talks about love for her NFL star
- Crazy victory in the NFL top game
- NFL star breaks referee's leg
The DFL, aiming to attract a broader audience, is considering the potential of a Bundesliga documentary-style series, drawing inspiration from the popular Formula 1 show "Drive to Survive" on Netflix. This concept, similar to the one used in NFL's "Hard Knocks," could potentially captivate football fans worldwide, just as it did for Formula 1. Additionally, discussions about the future Bundesliga broadcasts on ARD and DFL's partnership with the public broadcaster are ongoing, with numerous initiatives being suggested, including potentially airing matches later in the evening. [Soccer, DFL, ARD]
In the midst of these changes, the DFL is also focusing on enhancing the viewing experience by providing deeper insights into the teams. This includes strategies like featuring interviews with players after the team bus arrives, offering a glimpse into the dressing room via a camera, and increasing access to the teams during the week. [Soccer, DFL]
Source: www.ntv.de
