Starting from the 2026-27 season, Bundesliga matches will be available exclusively on Zee5 and the company’s Unite8 Sports television channels. Indian viewers will also gain access to live matches, highlights and exclusive shoulder programming as part of the partnership.
The acquisition marks another significant step in Z’s efforts to build a robust football ecosystem in India and further expands its global sports portfolio, following its recently announced partnership with FIFA.
The company said the Bundesliga deal will enhance Zee5’s value proposition by adding one of Europe’s most-followed football leagues to its growing slate of premium sports content. Leveraging its extensive reach across the country, Z aims to accelerate the popularity and growth of Bundesliga among Indian audiences.
As part of its long-term commitment to football development in India, Z had earlier announced that it would contribute 15% of Zee5’s football-related subscription revenues towards identifying, training and nurturing young football talent across the country.
Bundesliga has steadily expanded its presence in India through youth development programmes, club activations and fan engagement initiatives. According to the league, its fan base in India has grown by more than 50% over the past four seasons, reflecting the rising popularity of football among Indian viewers.
With the Bundesliga partnership, Z continues to diversify its sports portfolio through strategic partnerships and investments, while seeking to create new opportunities for fans to engage with global sporting properties and contribute to the growth of football in India.
Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer – Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said: “Bundesliga is one of the most exciting football leagues in the world, renowned for its passionate fan culture, world-class clubs and commitment to developing young talent. Through this partnership, viewers will have the opportunity to watch some of the biggest stars in world football, including Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich and many other top international talents who light up Bundesliga week after week, across the year.”
He further added, “At ‘Z’, we remain committed to contributing towards the growth of football in India. Through this partnership, we aim 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. Together with Bundesliga, we will also launch the ‘Z’ x Bundesliga Football Week, bringing grassroots football clinics and development programmes to young aspiring footballers across India, while providing access to world-class coaching expertise and international best practices.”
Speaking on the partnership, Peer Naubert, Chief Commercial Officer of Bundesliga Media, said “We have been investing in India for many years because we believe long-term relevance is built through sustained local engagement, not broadcast reach alone. India is not simply a market for the Bundesliga; it is a country where we have consistently invested in football, in partnerships and in people. 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. Just as importantly, our shared commitment to grassroots football means we are investing not only in audiences, but in the long-term development of the game itself.”
“For us, media partnerships mark the beginning of a long-term relationship, not the end of a transaction. 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,” he explained.
