Versant Media Group, Inc. Secures Exclusive Bundesliga Media Rights in the U.S.
1. A Game-Changing Partnership
In a significant move for soccer enthusiasts in the United States, Versant Media Group, Inc. has announced that its subsidiary, USA Sports, will become the exclusive English-language home of the Bundesliga, Germany’s premier soccer league. Beginning in August 2026, fans can look forward to over 300 live matches broadcast across USA Network and streamed for free on Fandango, a Versant-owned platform.
This multi-year agreement, which extends through the 2030-31 season, marks a pivotal moment in USA Sports’ efforts to become a key player in the U.S. sports broadcasting landscape.
2. Bundesliga Coverage Begins with a Classic
The Bundesliga action kicks off on August 22 with Der Klassiker, featuring defending champions Bayern Munich, led by star player Harry Kane, facing off against fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. This match is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the league's competitive spirit and the star power of its players.
USA Sports will provide extensive coverage of the Bundesliga's regular season, featuring at least 30 of the matches on the USA Network, while the remainder will be available for streaming on Fandango. Notable teams participating in the league include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FC Schalke 04, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hamburg SV, promising a broad spectrum of thrilling encounters for fans.
3. Growth of Soccer in the U.S.
The partnership comes at a time when soccer's popularity in the United States is surging. Robin Austermann, Bundesliga Americas Executive Vice President, noted that the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup has intensified interest in the sport, with Bundesliga fans in the U.S. increasing by an impressive 43% over the last five years. This growth provides a fertile ground for the Bundesliga to deepen its connection with American audiences.
“Combining outstanding distribution with significant growth opportunities, our partnership with USA Sports signifies the next phase of our strategy to reach more fans across the United States than ever before,” Austermann stated.
4. A Robust Portfolio of Live Sports
The addition of the Bundesliga to USA Sports’ offerings is part of a broader strategy to build a comprehensive portfolio of premium sports rights. In the upcoming 2026-27 season, USA Sports is set to deliver more than 1,000 hours of live soccer across various leagues, including the Bundesliga and the English Premier League. This media rights agreement adds to USA Sports' recent acquisitions, which include rights to the WNBA, Pac-12 football and basketball, and several other prestigious sporting events, all extending into the 2030s.
Matt Hong, President of USA Sports, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The Bundesliga boasts some of the most well-known clubs and players in the world and has an established connection with American soccer fans. Our partnership with the Bundesliga represents another significant milestone in the growth of USA Sports.”
5. Conclusion: A New Era for Soccer Broadcasting
As USA Sports prepares to take the helm of Bundesliga broadcasts in the United States, this partnership is poised to enhance the visibility of one of Europe’s top soccer leagues. By providing fans with access to thrilling matches and star players, Versant Media Group, Inc. is not only expanding its media footprint but also contributing to the growing soccer culture in the U.S. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the timing could not be better for soccer’s ascent in American sports entertainment.
