Germany’s multi-channel network Sport1 is set to sell two channels to the Sportdigital broadcaster, it has been reported.
The German publication DWDL has reported that the Sport1+ and eSportsOne channels are set to be bought by Sportdigital, which already operates several sports channels – Sportdigital Fussball, Sportdigital Fussball 2, and Sportdigital Edge.
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It has been reported that the only regulatory obstacle remaining is approval from the relevant state media authority and that an official announcement is expected soon.
These reports come after Acunmedya, the Turkish media group, finalized its purchase of a 50% stake in Sport1 – which holds a package of non-exclusive domestic Bundesliga men's soccer rights through 2024-25 – in early August, from the Highlight Communications owner.
The two parties initially agreed a deal in late February, before Sport1’s owner Highlight Communications tied up a final version of the agreement with Acunmedya three months ago.
In terms of its top-tier sports rights, Sportdigital is currently covering a range of European soccer, such as the Dutch Eredivisie, the Spanish Copa del Rey cup competition, and the Scottish Premiership.
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By GlobalDataThe Sport1 channels, meanwhile, also hold rights to properties such as Major League Baseball, motor racing’s Nascar, and Belgian soccer's Pro League. Its Bundesliga package covers 33 games per season through the present 2024-25 campaign, while in addition, it holds a tranche of Women’s (Frauen) Bundesliga rights.
Highlight Communications first unveiled last June that it was assessing its options regarding Sport1, with these including either a partial or full sale. At the same time, a major reshuffle of the network’s structure was enacted, with five “independent profit centers” created.
The eSportsOne channel, meanwhile, shows a range of esports action, and can also be accessed across parts of both Europe and Africa, not just in Germany.
None of the concerned parties have yet made any public comments on these reports.
