French pay-TV broadcaster Canal+ is making moves to expand its footprint in Austria, reportedly placing a bid for the Austrian Bundesliga broadcasting rights a deal that could reshape the country’s sports media landscape.
As reported by the Austrian daily newspaper Der Standard, Canal+ has entered the race to secure the rights to Austria’s top-tier football league. While no official statements have been released by the league or the broadcaster, the development signals a competitive shake-up ahead of the current contract’s expiration in 2026.
Canal+ has already been expanding its sports content offerings in Austria. The broadcaster currently airs select matches from UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League competitions. Now, with the Austrian Bundesliga rights up for grabs, Canal+ appears ready to deepen its investment in local football coverage.
Thomas Trukesitz, Head of Sports, Canal+, said, “There have already been two meetings with the Bundesliga. It’s no secret that we are taking a close look at this.”
While Canal+’s bid has not been officially confirmed, its entry into the bidding process adds serious competition for the current rights holder, Sky Austria.
Sky Austria, which currently holds the Austrian Bundesliga rights, is expected to make a strong attempt to retain its position. The company has been the league’s primary broadcaster and has invested heavily in sports programming across Austria. As their contract comes to a close at the end of the 2025/26 season, Sky is likely to fight hard to continue its coverage.
Two other familiar names public broadcaster ORF and private channel Servus TV have been mentioned as potential bidders, although their interest in this specific round of negotiations remains uncertain. Neither has publicly confirmed participation.
Beyond traditional bidding, the Austrian Bundesliga is reportedly considering a bold alternative to the standard rights deal. Under a proposal referred to internally as “Plan A,” the league could self-produce and directly distribute its matches, essentially taking control of both the production and monetisation process. This strategy would allow the league to form partnerships on its own terms, potentially increasing revenue and delivering a more modern, flexible viewing experience for fans.
While ambitious, such a plan would require major investment in production infrastructure and the formation of strategic alliances with platforms capable of distribution—possibly including a player like Canal+.
The Austrian sports media market could see a significant shift in competition and content delivery. The network’s experience in handling international sports rights positions it well to introduce new formats, advanced production capabilities, and possibly better pricing models for viewers.
The move also aligns with a broader trend across Europe where media rights for football leagues are becoming more contested, with broadcasters seeking exclusive, premium content to retain and grow their subscriber bases.
Although Canal+ has remained measured in its public statements, the interest it has shown so far suggests that it views Austria as a key market for growth. Its involvement could spur innovation and provide viewers with alternative coverage options.
With the 2025/26 season looming, the Austrian Bundesliga has several important decisions ahead whether to continue with traditional broadcasters like Sky, embrace a new entrant like Canal+, or take the more daring route of managing its broadcasting operations.
About the Austrian Bundesliga
The Austrian Football Bundesliga is the premier football competition in Austria, featuring 12 clubs competing annually for the national title. Beyond the domestic audience, the league plays a significant role in qualifying Austrian clubs for European competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.