DF1 pens three-year FTA MotoGP rights deal in Germany

Sublicensing deal agreed with Sky Deutschland following shutdown of Red Bull-owned ServusTV in 2023.
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The newly-launched DF1 platform has acquired the free-to-air (FTA) media rights for MotoGP in Germany.

Contract:

  • Sublicensing deal with Sky Deutschland includes 12 live races
  • DF1 will broadcast MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 until 2026

Context:

The DF1 platform was launched by DF1 Medien in response to the shutdown of Red Bull-owned ServusTV’s German operations. DF1 was rolled out this year on 1st January and airs the content previously shown by the Austrian broadcaster before its exit from Germany. DF1 has already agreed a rights deal with Formula E for the 2024 season.

Following this, pay TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland agreed a long-term media rights deal with MotoGP covering Austria, Germany and Switzerland. ServusTV still holds the FTA media rights for the global motorcycling series in Austria, having agreed a three-year extension last season.

Comment:

Daniel Rossomondo, chief commercial officer of MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna, told BlackBook Motorsport: “We have identified Germany as a priority market and the country’s interest in MotoGP is demonstrated annually at Sachsenring.

“We took a massive step with our Sky [Deutschland] announcement and adding more coverage only benefits our German fans.”

Coming next:

The first live race to be aired as part of this deal will be the Grand Prix of Portugal on 24th March.

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