Bayern Dortmund Split 2- H 2013
Getty ImagesCOLOGNE – Sky Deutschland, the German pay TV group controlled by Rupert Murdoch‘s 21st Century Fox, has extended its rights deal with European soccer body UEFA for top soccer tournament the Champions League through 2018.
The deal, announced Monday by Sky Sports boss Carsten Schmidt, will give Sky rights to the Champions League in Germany across all platforms, including online and mobile, for three years from the 2015 to 2018 seasons.
The European club tournament is one of the most popular live sporting events in the world. This year’s final, between the two German sides Borussia Dortmund and eventual champion Bayern Munchen, drew a record 21 million viewers for German public broadcaster ZDF, nearly 62 percent of the viewing public.
Soccer is Sky’s biggest draw. In addition to the Champions League, Sky holds rights to the first and second divisions of Germany’s Bundesliga, UEFA’s Europa League tournament and the English Premier League.
The broadcaster has used the sport to test out new technology during live broadcasts, including HD and 3D broadcasts and the new 4K super zoom camera.
