In a major boost for football fans in India, WAVES OTT has announced its continued exclusive partnership with the DFB-Pokal, Germany’s prestigious knockout football tournament. The platform will stream the highly anticipated semi-final matches live on April 2nd and 3rd, followed by the grand finale on May 24th, 2025.
Following the successful broadcast of the quarter-finals, WAVES OTT is further solidifying its position as the go-to platform for world-class football content in India. This collaboration not only brings the best of German football to Indian screens but also provides a unique opportunity for young footballers in India to gain international exposure.
Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with DFB not only brings top-tier football action to Indian audiences but also opens doors for our young footballers to gain international exposure. By integrating high-quality content with grassroots development, we are fostering a stronger football culture in India and providing our youth with unprecedented global opportunities.”
WAVES OTT: strengthening Indo-German football ties
In addition to the live streams, the partnership has led to a historic exchange agreement between Prasar Bharati and DFB, further strengthening Indo-German football ties. Dr. Holger Blask, Managing Director of DFB GmbH & Co. KG, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting, “We are extremely proud and excited about this groundbreaking cooperation with Prasar Bharati. Their unparalleled free-to-air reach through WAVES and DD Sports is key to DFB’s strategy of democratizing access to the DFB-Pokal. With its aspirational character and countless David vs Goliath moments, the DFB-Pokal is a perfect fit for Indian football fans.”
The partnership also aims to identify and nurture young football talent in India. A nationwide Under-17 talent search will be launched, where 20 promising players will be selected for an exclusive training program in Germany, facilitated by DFB and its partner Brand Next.
As a special incentive for football enthusiasts, WAVES OTT is launching an exciting contest. Two lucky Indian fans will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Germany to watch the DFB-Pokal final live in Berlin. To enter, participants must download the WAVES OTT app, watch the DFB-Pokal semi-finals, and answer simple questions. The winners will be revealed during the last semi-final match.
Further enhancing the viewing experience, WAVES OTT will also feature a DFB-Pokal tutorial series, which will provide fans with historical insights, archival footage, and expert analysis of the prestigious tournament.
With these exciting developments, WAVES OTT is setting the stage for a thrilling football season and is poised to bring India closer to the heart of world football.