Sky Deutschland secures World Cup UHD deal

Sky Deutschland has secured the exclusive German Ultra HD broadcasting rights to 25 matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The agreement was concluded with SportA, the sports rights agency of ARD and ZDF and grants Sky the exclusive right to broadcast the top ‘Match of the Day’ live in Ultra HD.

In addition to the opening game on 14 June 2018, the agreement includes all games featuring the German national team and various other selected top games including two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, the third place play-off and the final on 15 July 2018. 

Dr. Holger Enßlin, the managing director of Legal, Regulatory & Distribution at Sky Deutschland said: “With the first and exclusive broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Ultra HD, Sky Deutschland underpins its role as a pioneer and innovation driver on German television.

“As was the case with the first broadcast of a World Championship in HD in 2006, Sky customers will be the first to enjoy the latest technology and an unprecedented visual experience. The ultra-HD transmission of 25 matches from Russia is another milestone in the broadcasting of Ultra-HD in Germany. ”

The UHD transmissions will be made available via satellite and cable.

Sky has previously shown football matches from the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League in Ultra HD.