Bundesliga must seek a new tv deal
HANOVER, Germany -- For the second time in less than three years, the German Bundesliga will have to arrange a new television deal.
The president of the League, Werner Hackmann, announced that Swiss-based Infront had said they were not willing to pay the previously agreed fees of 295 and 300 million euros for the next two seasons.
Hackmann said that contract pertaining to a highlights package on national tv was not affected.
Hackmann said: "Infront offered just under 10 per cent less than the previously agreed fee.
"They cited new European laws governing New Media as their reason. We continued discussing the issue until December 31, but failed to reach an agreement.
"It is now up to the DFL to immediately begin negotiations with other companies. I am confident that we will find someone, as we have a very good product."
Viewing figures in the Bundesliga and Champions League have increased this season.
If the DFL fail to find a company willing to buy the whole package, clubs would be in a position to sell their individual rights to companies.
This would be beneficial to the bigger clubs, but would work against smaller clubs, who at the moment still receive substantial amounts from TV rights that are centrally marketed.
Infront took over the TV rights for the Bundesliga in October 2002 after the previous holders, KirchMedia, went bankrupt.
