In a pioneering move by the Bundesliga, content creator Mark Goldbridge has become the first YouTuber to be granted live broadcasting rights for a major European football league in the UK.
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This landmark arrangement will allow him to stream 20 live matches on his popular YouTube channel, That’s Football, for the upcoming 2025–26 Bundesliga season.
A New Era for Football Broadcasting
With his massive online following—boasting over 1.38 million YouTube subscribers—Goldbridge is now officially part of the Bundesliga’s UK broadcast lineup. His channel will air selected Friday night fixtures in a signature “watchalong” format, combining live match commentary and fan interaction, all free-to-air for viewers.
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This historic agreement places Goldbridge alongside traditional broadcasters like Sky Sports (retaining Saturday matches) and Amazon Prime Video (holding exclusive Sunday fixtures on pay-per-view). The BBC also remains in the broadcast mix, streaming one game per week, including Friday matchups on its platform.
What This Means for Fans and Digital Content
Goldbridge’s inclusion reflects the Bundesliga’s strategic push to reach younger, digitally-savvy audiences. By tapping into high-engagement platforms like YouTube, the league is meeting fans where they are—on social media and live digital spaces.
Unlike paywalled services, Goldbridge’s watchalongs are accessible to all, offering a dynamic and personable way to enjoy football. With this free-to-view model, the Bundesliga is inviting a broader UK audience to engage with German football.
A Landmark Feat for a Game Changer
Mark Goldbridge’s journey from a Manchester United fan channel to securing Bundesliga rights marks a major milestone. His career included:
- Founding and growing The United Stand, a fan-focused YouTube channel
- Expanding content across multiple channels and platforms
- Gaining mainstream media visibility and influence through viral content
The Bundesliga’s choice to include him in the broadcast lineup underscores his unique ability to blend entertainment, commentary, and fan engagement in ways traditional broadcasters rarely do.
Benefits for Audiences and the League
For viewers, this means greater flexibility and accessibility. Fans can watch live action from clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and others without needing subscriptions. Goldbridge’s engaging style adds a layer of personality to match viewing that traditional broadcasts may lack.
For the Bundesliga, the move diversifies exposure and increases fanbase growth potential in the UK. It also sets a precedent: major leagues can successfully complement traditional TV coverage with digital creators, maximizing reach and engagement.
Digital Transformation Across Sports Media
This development signifies a broader trend—sports leagues are recognizing the power of digital-native broadcasters. YouTubers and streamers with large follower bases can attract younger demographics, especially those disengaged from conventional sports media.
Like Netflix redefining movie consumption, content creators are reshaping how live sports content is delivered and consumed. The Bundesliga’s new strategy positions it at the forefront of this media evolution.
What Fans Can Expect This Season
- Friday night Bundesliga matches streaming live on Mark Goldbridge’s That’s Football
- Free watchalong experiences with live commentary and interaction
- Continued coverage by Sky Sports (Saturdays), Prime Video (Sundays), and BBC (weekly matches)
Additionally, fan communities can look forward to original content such as weekly highlight shows, engaging simulations, and enhanced storytelling from Goldbridge’s channel.
A New Dawn for Football Broadcasting
Bundesliga’s decision to award live broadcast rights to a YouTuber heralds a transformative moment in sports media. By embracing digital creators like Mark Goldbridge, the league is not only expanding accessibility—but also redefining how fans experience football.
This model paves the way for future partnerships between sports organizations and digital influencers. With real-time feedback, inclusive access, and creative delivery methods, the future of football broadcasting might just be online—and more connected than ever.
