Partners sign contracts to broadcast Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal matches in Việt Nam in the next few seasons in Hà Nội on August 21. Photo of organisers

HÀ NỘI — The German Bundesliga matches will continue to be continued broadcast in Việt Nam for the next five years  while the German Football Association Cup, DFB-Pokal, will be also aired for the first time over the next three seasons.

Next Media and VMG Media on August 21 announced their executive broadcasting rights for these two leading leagues on all platforms in the country.

The two companies will cooperate with the Việt Nam Television Cable Corporation (VTVcab) will be aired the Bundesliga from 2023-28 while the DFB-Pokal from 2023-26.

Speaking at a press conference in Hà Nội, Kevin Sim, head of Asia Pacific for Bundesliga International, a full subsidiary of the German football league, said: "I am thrilled to announce the exciting news of the extension of the partnership between Bundesliga International and Next Media.

"Over the last three years, this collaboration has taken us on a remarkable journey that has brought German football closer to the hearts of Vietnamese fans, as well as supporting the development of Vietnamese football.

"Football is the undeniably the number one sport in Việt Nam with a staggering 43 million passionate football fans in this country. Furthermore, the Bundesliga's growth in popularity is undeniable with a 500 per cent increase in viewership since the 2019-20 season. This surge in interest clearly illustrates the growing connection between the Bundesliga and the Vietnamese audience.

"Our partnership with Next Media was a key reason for this growth as we worked closely together to bring the essence of German football to Việt Nam."

A match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Cologne in Dortmund, western Germany on August 19. The Bundesliga will be broadcast in Việt Nam from 2023-28. AFP/VNA Photo

He added: "We were also delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between ourselves at Bundesliga International, the VFF and the VPF, which cements our commitment to long-term football development in Việt Nam."

VMG General Director Nguyễn Hoàng Nam said: "VMG Media was honoured to bring the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup tournament to Việt Nam. Now, VMG Media and Next Media are proud to be executive units to broadcast the Bundesliga in the country in five year and we are also the first units to bring the DFB-Pokal here in the next three years."

In addition to the football matches, the companies will also work with the German partner to organise training programmes for young players. Vietnamese talented players will be sent to Germany where they train and play against some of the Bundesliga’s best youth academies. These activities are not only to highlight the wealth of young football talent but also give players a chance to dream that they could one day make it in the Bundesliga.

Representatives of Next Media, VMG Media, VTVcab, German Football Association and German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Việt Nam have decided to bring their cooperation to other areas in addition to sports. Photo of organisers

According to Next Media General Director Nguyễn Trung Kiên, Next Media has cooperated with the Bundesliga International since 2020, organising many actitivies such as a friendly match between the national team of Việt Nam and Borussia Durtmund, a charity True Love match and a trip to Germany of the U17 squad.

Bùi Huy Năm, VTVcab general director, said: "With the leading company in producing and distributing content, especially sports, on multiple platforms, VTVcab will continue to bring top-notch experiences, the most exciting German football matches to Vietnamese fans." .

In the extension of their contract, the level of cooperation will be pushed to new heights. In addition to sports, two countries will also work on other areas as  Next Media, Bundesliga, German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Việt Nam (AHK) will link enterprises and businesses closer together in the near future. VNS