The Austrian Cup, the nation’s premier domestic soccer knockout tournament, is set to become more accessible to fans thanks to a new broadcast agreement. ProSiebenSat.1, a major commercial network, has secured additional rights to the ÖFB Cup, promising wider free-to-air coverage beginning with the 2026-27 season. This expansion of coverage aims to reach a broader audience and further elevate the profile of the competition.
Under the terms of the four-year deal, ProSiebenSat.1 will exclusively broadcast a second-choice match live from the first round through the quarter-finals on its Joyn streaming service and the Puls 4 linear television channel. Crucially, this streaming coverage will be available without a paywall, meaning fans can watch without needing a Joyn Plus subscription. This commitment to free access is a key component of the agreement, ensuring the ÖFB Cup remains widely viewable.
Expanding Access to Austrian Soccer
The agreement with the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) guarantees ProSiebenSat.1 four exclusive live matches each year. This builds upon the existing broadcast arrangements, where ORF, Austria’s public service broadcaster, holds the majority of the broadcasting rights. ORF will continue to air all matches from the ÖFB Cup across its various platforms – free-to-air television, radio, and online – with at least 15 games per season broadcast live on its main channel. ORF will also dedicate coverage to at least four matches from the women’s edition of the cup, highlighting the growing prominence of women’s soccer in Austria.
ORF’s position as the primary broadcaster means they retain the first pick of matches, typically focusing on the later stages of the men’s competition. Currently, the main ORF channel showcases the high-profile ÖFB Cup matches, while earlier rounds are often streamed on the ÖFB TV platform. This tiered approach allows for comprehensive coverage of the entire tournament, from the initial qualifying rounds to the championship final.
A Broader Rights Package for ORF
The expanded partnership between ORF and the ÖFB extends beyond the ÖFB Cup itself. The new rights package, secured earlier this month, includes coverage of 24 games from the Women’s Bundesliga, all home matches of the Austrian women’s national team, and the Austrian Women’s Cup – with a commitment to broadcast at least four matches live each season. ORF will broadcast all home games of the Austrian youth national teams, with all U21 home games shown live. Sportcal reported on the details of the ORF deal earlier this month.
The increased investment in women’s soccer is particularly noteworthy, reflecting a broader trend towards greater gender equality in sports broadcasting. By providing a platform for the Women’s Bundesliga and the women’s national team, ORF is helping to raise the profile of female athletes and inspire the next generation of players.
Stakeholder Reactions
Josef Pröll, chairman of the supervisory board of the Austrian Football Association, emphasized the importance of the expanded coverage. “Alongside our long-standing partner ORF, this agreement with Joyn and Puls 4 is an essential step towards further expanding our live coverage of the ÖFB Cup and reaching different target groups even more effectively,” Pröll said. “We are ensuring that the competition continues to have a strong, diverse, and freely accessible media platform.”
Thomas Gruber, co-CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Puls 4, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to expand our sports portfolio to include national soccer with the attractive ÖFB Cup. Sport is and will remain a key pillar of our diverse programming on Puls 4, and Joyn.” This partnership represents a strategic move for ProSiebenSat.1, allowing them to tap into the passionate fanbase of Austrian soccer and strengthen their position in the sports broadcasting market.
Looking Ahead
The expanded broadcast coverage of the ÖFB Cup is expected to generate increased interest in the competition and provide a valuable platform for Austrian soccer clubs. With more matches available on free-to-air television and streaming services, fans will have greater opportunities to follow their favorite teams and experience the excitement of the tournament. The 2026-27 season will mark the beginning of this new era for the ÖFB Cup, promising a more accessible and engaging experience for soccer fans across Austria.
The next key date for the ÖFB Cup will be the draw for the first round of the 2026-27 season, expected in the summer of 2026. This draw will set the stage for the expanded coverage and provide fans with their first glimpse of the matches that will be broadcast on ProSiebenSat.1’s platforms.
What are your thoughts on the expanded coverage? Share your opinions in the comments below and feel free to share this article with fellow Austrian soccer fans.
