Bundesliga International signs broadcast deal with Japanese streaming platform ABEMA

Photo: DFL/Getty Images/Oliver Hardt
  • Agreement will see ABEMA stream two Bundesliga games per week on its Free-To-Air platform next season
  • ABEMA deal follows partnership with broadcast giant DAZN Japan, who signed a three-year deal to show all Bundesliga games from next season
  • More Japanese players have played in the Bundesliga than in any other top five European league

19 August 2025 – Bundesliga International has signed a new broadcast partnership with Japanese streaming platform ABEMA to show two German league games free-to-air (FTA) every week next season.

After the new Bundesliga campaign kicks off this Friday with defending champions FC Bayern München hosting RB Leipzig, Japan’s Over-The-Top platform ABEMA will stream two selected games each matchday alongside highlights and original programming.

This new deal with ABEMA marks a significant step in expanding our reach in Japan and deepens our connection with one of Asia’s most passionate football audiences

Peer Naubert, Chief Executive Officer Bundesliga International

The partnership with ABEMA further strengthens the Bundesliga’s presence in the Japanese market following last week’s announcement that subscription sports broadcaster DAZN will stream all German league top-flight games until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.

ABEMA has more than 30 million weekly active users in Japan.

“This new deal with ABEMA marks a significant step in expanding our reach in Japan and deepens our connection with one of Asia’s most passionate football audiences,” said Peer Naubert, Chief Executive Officer of Bundesliga International.

“We are the most active league in Japan, and creating touchpoints for fans is core to our approach.

“From guest appearances by Japanese Bundesliga Legends Makoto Hasebe and Tomoaki Makino at the Osaka EXPO, to Jürgen Klopp’s surprise visit in February, we are working closely with our clubs to bring the Bundesliga closer.

“Our partnership with ABEMA helps us to increase our digital exposure in Japan, ensuring fans in the Land of the Rising Sun keep up to date with Football As It’s Meant To Be.“

A bumper total of 14 Japanese players have been named in the squads of the 36 clubs in Germany’s Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 for the 2025-26 season, including FC Bayern defender Hiroki Itō and Eintracht Frankfurt’s new signing Ritsu Dōan.
“It is an honour to once again bring the Bundesliga to audiences in Japan on ABEMA this season,“ said Yasutaka Tsukamoto, General Manager of ABEMA.

“By offering free coverage of the challenges taken on by Japanese players, we aim to showcase the excitement of the Bundesliga to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“At ABEMA, we remain committed to supporting the growth and development of football through accessible, high-quality broadcasts.”

Since the German league started in 1963-64, a total of 48 Japanese players have played in the Bundesliga, more than in any of the other top five European leagues.

Ito lifted the Meisterschale with FC Bayern last season while Shinji Kagawa, another Japanese international, won the second of back-to-back Bundesliga titles under then-head coach Jürgen Klopp in 2011-12.