The National Football League (NFL) has reportedly exercised a unilateral termination clause to end its media rights agreement with DAZN in Germany, effective two years before the original 2028 expiration date. The deal, which began in 2023, saw DAZN broadcasting five live games per week alongside the popular ‘ENDZN’ whip-around show.
Why the Exit?
According to reports from Bild, the NFL moved to terminate the contract after DAZN allegedly rejected the league’s request for an extension to evaluate its future options. Germany has become the NFL’s premier European market—with 11 franchises holding marketing rights and Munich set to host its third regular-season game in 2026—leading the league to seek maximum flexibility and perhaps more lucrative or broader distribution partnerships.
What Stays the Same?
It is important to note that this termination does not affect the 10-year global NFL Game Pass International deal.
- Game Pass is Safe: DAZN will continue to distribute the “Game Pass” DTC service, which saw a 24% increase in global subscriptions during the 2025 season.
- FTA Rights: The free-to-air partnership with RTL for playoff games and the Super Bowl currently remains intact.
Impact on the Market
The move leaves five premium live game slots per week (including primetime Thursday, Sunday, and Monday Night Football) up for grabs. With the NFL’s valuation soaring and streaming records being shattered in 2025, the bidding war for these rights in Germany is expected to be intense.