Staff at the German pay-TV broadcaster Arena are threatening to take legal action if the German competition authority gives the green light to Premiere to take over the live transmission of German Bundesliga football. Employees at the company, which only secured the rights a year ago, claim the move would spell a return to the quasi-monopoly previously enjoyed by Premiere.
Under an agreement between Premiere and Arena’s parent company Unity Media, the Munich-based operator would sublicense the Bundesliga rights from Arena for an estimated €200 million. A decision from the authority is expected within the next few weeks.
Separately, Premiere has announced that the free-TV window for its Champions League coverage will move to Sat.1 from the start of the new season. Champions TV moves from dedicated sports channel DSF and will be screened each Wednesday when the competition is in progress.
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