What the RTL–Sky Deal Means for Sky Deutschland Subscribers in 2026
The takeover of Sky Deutschland by RTL Deutschland is changing how the two companies package sports, entertainment and streaming. For existing Sky customers, the immediate message is simple: current subscriptions, devices, apps and booked packages continue to work as before. Sky says customers do not need to take action, and any future changes should be communicated in advance. (sky.de)
Existing contracts stay in place—for now
The transaction does not automatically cancel or rewrite a Sky subscription. Customers who already pay for Sky retain the services included in their agreements, even as selected RTL content begins appearing on Sky and WOW. Sky also says that the arrival of some content elsewhere does not create a general right to terminate a contract early. (sky.de)
That distinction matters. The companies are combining ownership and planning joint products, but the customer-facing integration will happen in stages rather than through one overnight platform switch.
New packages put sport at the centre
RTL Deutschland has announced a simpler Sky price structure for new customers. The offers include a Bundesliga package priced at €24.99 per month on a 12-month term, while a broader Sky sports package costs €29.99 per month and includes Bundesliga, the 2. Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Premier League, European club competitions, NFL, Formula 1 and other sports. The published prices are promotional offers and may not represent the price paid by existing subscribers. (media.rtl.com)
Entertainment packages are also being reorganised. A film-and-series plan with Netflix Standard and Paramount+ Basic is listed at €19.99 per month, while an all-in Sky package with live sport is priced at €39.99. A larger package adding Netflix, Paramount+, UHD, Kids and Multiscreen is listed at €49.99, again on a 12-month subscription. (media.rtl.com)
RTL programmes begin moving across
The first practical benefit for some Sky and WOW customers is access to selected RTL+ programmes. Titles such as Neue Geschichten vom Pumuckl, Die Nibelungen – Kampf der Königreiche, Club der roten Bänder, Gute Freunde – Der Aufstieg des FC Bayern and Ich bin Dagobert have been announced for Sky and WOW. (media.rtl.com)
Sports rights are being shared more widely, too. During the 2026/27 season, RTL says selected Europa League and Conference League matches—including games involving German clubs in many cases—will also be shown on Sky Sport, while RTL+ continues to carry individual matches and a conference. Sky has separately highlighted expanded NFL access, including a German-language conference and other exclusive programming. (media.rtl.com)
The bigger change is still ahead
The first WOW–RTL+ bundles are scheduled to launch in Germany and Austria before the end of 2026. RTL+ is then expected to become an integrated part of the Sky offering in 2027. The companies have not yet published every technical detail, including the final interface, full bundle pricing or the exact migration process. Until those details appear, subscribers should treat announced packages as new commercial offers—not as automatic changes to existing contracts. (media.rtl.com)
Sources
- Mehr Angebot. Mehr Klarheit. Mehr Wert für Kunden. RTL Deutschland macht gemeinsame Stärke von RTL und Sky erlebbar
- Zusammenschluss von Sky & RTL: Alle wichtigen Informationen
- Die RTL Group begrüßt die endgültige Genehmigung des Erwerbs von Sky Deutschland
- Weitere RTL+ Hits wie „Neue Geschichten vom Pumuckl“ und „Die Nibelungen“ starten im August bei Sky und WOW