TV licence fine warning as BBC football fans can watch Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig for FREE

The Bundesliga struck a new TV rights deal in the UK this week that will see games broadcast for free on television and YouTube. However, fans will still require a TV licence to watch along on either platform.

Germany's top league has unveiled a new strategy that will see a host of its games broadcast for free in the UK across multiple media. Sky Sports, who have long partnered with the league, retained their right to air the "top match" on Saturday. Prime Video has now been given exclusive rights to all Sunday matches in the UK, and the BBC will stream Friday games for the next two seasons. Unlike Sky and Prime, the BBC does not require a paid subscription.

However, the decision to partner with leading YouTube channels as part of this free-to-air strategy has made a splash. The Overlap, a channel that typically features Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright, will show 20 games for the upcoming Bundesliga season. Mark Goldbridge's That's Football, which is usually divisive and tailored to Manchester United content, will also stream 20 games.

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The new season starts on Friday evening when Harry Kane's Bayern Munich hosts RB Leipzig. While this new approach involving YouTube and the BBC has opened up the league to new audiences, fans still need a TV licence. Mirror Football brings you all the details.

When is Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig?

The first game of the new Bundesliga season will kick off at 7:30pm UK time on Friday evening, as Bayern welcome Leipzig to the Allianz Arena.

Vincent Kompany's side have not lost an opening tie in 13 seasons, winning 11 and drawing just two in this timeframe. The Bavarian club regained their league title last year and will be hoping to begin their defence of it positively.

Leipzig, on the other hand, will still be licking their wounds after losing star striker Benjamin Sesko to United, and will be looking to improve on a seventh-placed finish last time out, which meant they will not be contesting any European football this term.

How can I watch Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig?

As per the new TV rights deal, the BBC will air Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig on their BBC Sport website and iPlayer. The game can also be watched on The Overlap and Mark Goldbridge's That's Football YouTube channels, which have 1.5million and 1.4m subscribers respectively, and the Bundesliga's official channel.

However, a TV licence is necessary to watch the match on either platform. Fans will need a licence to watch via the BBC as usual. And although watching pre-recorded videos and other on-demand content on YouTube can be done without a licence, tuning into any live TV broadcast requires one.

This also applies to any live broadcast aired on Netflix, such as large boxing events. A standard colour licence in the UK costs £174.50 per year and can be paid in full or split into weekly or monthly installments.

What have the Bundesliga said about their new TV rights deal?

"We are delighted to announce our new-look line up of great media partners as part of our multi-platform strategy in the UK and Ireland," said chief executive officer of Bundesliga International, Peer Naubert, after the directive was announced on Wednesday.

"Our approach is as diverse as our supporters: by combining established broadcasters with digital platforms and content creators, we are taking a progressive step in how top-level football can be experienced.

"This multi-layered strategy allows us to connect with more audiences across the UK and Ireland, giving every supporter the chance to engage with football as it's meant to be in the way that suits them best."

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