Overview
- DFB confirms ARD, ZDF, Sky and RTL as rights holders for the 2026–2030 cycle, adding RTL to the free-to-air mix.
- RTL and ZDF will share the newly awarded free-TV package and will each broadcast 15 matches across the cycle, including one final apiece.
- Sky keeps comprehensive pay-TV rights and will show all 63 matches and the conference broadcasts.
- The decision follows a May pause on awarding a free-TV package when bids were deemed economically inadequate.
- DFB executive Holger Blask says the arrangement expands the cup’s media presence and secures financial stability for the clubs.