ZDF Re-Ups Champions League Rights

MAINZ: The German public broadcaster ZDF has extended its free-TV deal with the UEFA to carry select Champions League matches through the 2017-18 season.

The existing contract between ZDF and UEFA expires with the 2014-15 season; it has now been extended for three seasons through to 2018. The arrangement covers the exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights for 18 games per season, including the play-off matches of German clubs.

ZDF has been the free-TV broadcast home for Champions League games in Germany since 2011. Sky Deutschland recently bagged the pay-TV rights for seasons 2015-16 and 2017-18.