ARD & ZDF Extend German Ski Association Rights to 2030

Germany’s premier public service broadcasters, ARD and ZDF, have extended their broadcasting agreements with the German Ski Association (DSV) for another four years. This renewal ensures continued national coverage of DSV World Cup events through the 2029-30 season.

Broad Coverage of Winter Sports

The agreement encompasses a wide range of winter sports disciplines, including alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski cross, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding. This comprehensive coverage aims to provide German audiences with access to all major DSV-affiliated competitions.

Did You Know? The previous agreement between ARD, ZDF, and the DSV also spanned four years, dating back to the end of 2020.

The extension was facilitated by SportA, the rights agency representing ARD and ZDF. The deal guarantees that national DSV World Cup events will remain accessible to fans via both broadcasters.

Importance of Media Coverage

Stefan Schwarzbach, head of communications at the DSV, emphasized the value of the partnership, stating that coverage on ARD and ZDF “creates visibility and reliability” for German winter sports. He further noted that this media presence “fosters identification with our top athletes and has a direct positive impact on youth development in regional associations and clubs.”

Expert Insight: Maintaining strong broadcast partnerships is crucial for national sports federations like the DSV, as it directly impacts fan engagement, athlete visibility, and the long-term health of the sport at the grassroots level.

In addition to the ARD and ZDF agreement, international media rights for FIS World Cup events in Germany are held by Infront, with a deal in place through 2026. Sponsorship rights for these events are currently managed by Sportfive until June of this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports are covered by this agreement?

The agreement covers alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski cross, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding.

How long does the new agreement last?

The agreement extends through the end of the 2029-30 season.

Who brokered the deal between the DSV, ARD, and ZDF?

The extension was brokered by SportA, the rights agency for ARD and ZDF.

As the DSV and its broadcast partners look ahead, will continued media exposure translate into increased participation and success for German winter athletes?