RTL Considers Bidding On Bundesliga Broadcast TV Starting With The '17-18 Season

German free-to-air TV channel RTL "is reportedly interested in Bundesliga broadcast rights starting with the '17-18 season," according to RP ONLINE. RTL Sports Dir Manfred Loppe said, "We will take a look at the tender -- like we do every time. If we bid, it doesn't necessarily have to be the whole pie, but a substantial piece." RTL "has just recently shown its appetite for football." The Cologne-based channel acquired the broadcast rights for Euro 2016 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers for an estimated €100M ($132M). Loppe: "There are formats and events that are categorized as 'must see.' Sports as emotional theater has high chances to continue to be loved and viewed." First talks regarding the Bundesliga's new rights period are expected to take place in '15 (RP ONLINE, 8/27).