German consumer body opens class action against Bundesliga TV ...

February 10 – The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband) is pursuing a class action lawsuit against DAZN, alleging unjustified price increases.

In a statement on its website, the consumer body wrote: “The streaming provider DAZN increased its prices in 2021 and 2022 in ongoing contracts without the consent of customers. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) considers the underlying general terms and conditions clauses to be unreasonably disadvantageous and the price increases for existing customers at the time to be illegal.”

The claim concerns prices in 2021 and 2022. In August 2021, DAZN raised prices from €11.99 to €14.99 per month and from €119.99 to €149.99 per year. In August 2022, the streaming platform increased prices from €14.99 to €29.99 per month and from €149.99 to €274.99 per year. The federation has invited consumers to register for the class action.

In Germany, DAZN has the rights to, among others, the Bundesliga, Serie A, the UEFA Women’s Euro and the Saudi Pro League.

Last December, the DFL announced a €4.48 billion TV deal for the Bundesliga rights over four years with the rights remaining with both Sky Deutschland and DAZN.

It did not come without controversy. Last April, DAZN believed it had secured the rights to Friday night and Saturday afternoon matches in the Bundesliga with a €1.6 billion bid over five years. However, the DFL demanded financial guarantees and required payments within a short timeframe.

When DAZN couldn’t meet these conditions, the rights were awarded to Sky. The streaming operator challenged the decision and the court ruled in its favour, ordering the package to be re-tendered.

DAZN has been contacted for comment.

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