Sportdigital, the German pay-TV broadcaster, has announced a significant extension to its partnership with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This renewed agreement grants Sportdigital exclusive television rights to a comprehensive range of AFC competitions until 2029.
The deal encompasses a wide array of prestigious tournaments, solidifying its position as the most extensive Asian football rights package available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. These rights include the AFC Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the AFC Asian Cup 2027, and the elite AFC Champions League. Further bolstering the coverage are matches from the AFC Champions League Two, the AFC U23 Asian Cup (2026 and 2028), and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
“The renewal of our partnership with the AFC for the next five years is fantastic news for us and for the many fans of AFC competitions on our channel. The diversity and scope of the AFC’s tournaments appeal to one of the largest and most relevant audiences globally, spanning the Middle East to the Pacific. We are thrilled to bring the quality of AFC’s top competitions to an expanding audience in the German-speaking region,” stated Gisbert Wundram, Managing Director of Sportdigital.
The agreement also ensures that Sportdigital Fußball will showcase some of the world's most celebrated footballers. Global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar, alongside Asian stars such as Heung-min Son, Takefusa Kubo, Mehdi Taremi, and Jackson Irvine, will be featured in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Patrick Murphy, CEO of the Asia Football Group, commented: “We thank Sportdigital for their collaboration and continued trust in AFC’s competitions, delivering world-class football and entertainment to their viewers. This extended partnership reflects the sustained growth and rising popularity of Asian football worldwide. We look forward to working with Sportdigital to provide exceptional programming for fans in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.” While financial details remain undisclosed, the substantial scope of the agreement underscores the growing value and global appeal of Asian football.