Sky & RTL Group in Germany agree deal to share drama & sports

Das Boot

Sky and RTL Group in Germany have struck a new deal that will see the pay TV and free-to-air operators share rights to drama and sports.

The two-year agreement, described as an “innovative partnership” by RTL, will predominantly see sports rights being shared but also includes a provision that will see Sky Deutschland’s dramas such as Der Pass and Das Boot becoming available on a non-exclusive on RTL+.

On the sports front, RTL will be able to air seven Formula 1 races live in Germany, alongside one game from the English Premier League per match week on RTL+ and three conference broadcasts of the 2nd Bundesliga on RTL.

Sky Deutschland will receive rights to two Europa League or Europa Conference League games per match week, with the partnership also including select highlights rights, Sky fiction blockbusters and close collaboration in production and on-screen editorial between the two broadcasters.

Barny Mills, CEO of Sky Deutschland, said: “By creating this innovative partnership with RTL Deutschland, we will provide even more viewers with a showcase of those exciting sporting moments executed by the brilliant team at Sky Sport as a sample of what is on offer from a full subscription.

“As consumer habits evolve and change over time, it is our role to anticipate and provide solutions that make life easier for the viewer. This partnership represents that thinking in action and we are excited to join forces with RTL Deutschland.”

Stephan Schmitter, chief content officer & incoming CEO of RTL Deutschland, added: “Our new content partnership with Sky is the next major step for our ‘all-inclusive entertainment’ promise, as it perfectly complements our fiction and sports offering of football, American football and motorsport.

“At the same time, we ensure the greatest possible exposure across free-TV and streaming for Sky’s highly attractive sports rights, produced by great sport teams on both sides.”

RTL Group recently struck a deal to sell its Netherlands-based operation, including streamer Videoland, having seen its profits nose dive, with the decline blamed on a moribund German TV advertising market.