ARD’s Sportschau Secures Bundesliga Future Until 2029, App and Winter Coverage Thrive
COLOGNE, 22 January 2026 – Germany’s long-standing Saturday evening football ritual, the ARD’s “Sportschau,” has its future secured. Following a media rights agreement confirmed in late 2024, the public broadcaster will continue to show Bundesliga highlights on free-to-air television until at least the end of the 2028/29 season. The programme, a staple since 1961, also continues to evolve with a successful multimedia app and a packed schedule of winter sports, including comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games.
A Broadcast Institution Confirmed
The German Football League (DFL) awarded the necessary media rights to ARD for four more seasons, ensuring the “Sportschau” remains the first place millions of fans can see moving images from Saturday’s Bundesliga matches. The deal, which includes a clause for real-time summaries of key match events, guarantees the programme’s place in the nation’s sporting culture. While the Saturday edition at 18:00 remains unchanged, a significant shift occurred for the Friday highlights. Since the start of the 2025/26 season, the Friday “Sportschau” has moved from the niche channel One to the main ARD channel, Das Erste, albeit at a later time of 23:10 to comply with broadcast windows.
The Sportschau Ecosystem: TV, App, and Live Events
Beyond the iconic TV show, the “Sportschau” brand encompasses a major digital presence. The official Sportschau app, available for iOS and Android, provides live tickers, audio streams for every Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga match, video highlights, and personalised news feeds. With over a million downloads and a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Play, the free app is a central hub for German sports fans. User feedback highlights the value of live audio commentaries and comprehensive coverage, though some have noted desires for improved app structure and live information delays.
Key Facts: The Sportschau at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| First Broadcast | 4 June 1961 |
| Producer | Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in Cologne |
| Flagship Show | Saturday, 18:00-19:57 on Das Erste (Bundesliga highlights) |
| Bundesliga Rights Secured Until | End of the 2028/29 season |
| Friday Edition (from 2025/26) | 23:10 on Das Erste (1. & 2. Bundesliga highlights) |
| App Rating (Google Play) | 4.3 stars (from over 30,000 reviews) |
| Live Event Coverage | Olympics, FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, DFB-Pokal, winter sports |
Winter 2026: A Season of Sport
Looking ahead, the “Sportschau” schedule for January and February 2026 is dominated by winter sports. The programme will provide extensive live coverage and reports from World Cup events in ski jumping, biathlon, alpine skiing, and luge. The centrepiece will be the Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, with the ARD broadcasting live events daily from 9 February onwards, including curling, ice hockey, and speed skating under the “Sportschau Live” banner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still watch Bundesliga highlights for free?
Yes. The ARD’s “Sportschau” on Saturday evenings on Das Erste will continue to show extended highlights of all Saturday Bundesliga matches. This is guaranteed until at least 2029.
What happened to the Friday Sportschau?
Starting with the 2025/26 season, the Friday edition moved to the main ARD channel (Das Erste) but at a later time of 23:10. This change was made because ARD’s new rights package allows it to show highlights of the Friday Bundesliga match for the first time, but not before 23:00.
Is the Sportschau app free?
Yes, the Sportschau app is completely free to download and use. It offers live audio commentaries for all Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga matches, live tickers, video streams where available, and personalised news. Users should be aware of potential mobile data charges when streaming outside of a Wi-Fi network.