A Turkish media company, Acunmedya, has acquired 50% of German sports broadcaster Sport1 in a move that positions it as a strategic investor in the European sports media industry. Sport1 Medien AG, a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Highlight Communications, has entered into a broad cooperation agreement with Acunmedya, under which the Turkish group will take over half of the shares in Sport1 GmbH. Apart from the investment, the two entities will enter an extensive content partnership as part of their strategic alliance.
Acunmedya’s entertainment and sports formats, including Exatlon, will debut on German television through Sport1 as part of this partnership. The sports reality show features contestants tackling physical and strategic challenges to test their endurance, agility, and mental resilience. The show is set to premiere on Sport1 in the autumn of 2024. However, the completion of the transaction is subject to various conditions, including approval from media and antitrust authorities.
Acunmedya owns the Turkish TV channel TFV8 and streaming service Exxen, producing over 5,000 hours of content globally and reaching audiences in more than 15 countries. Acun Ilıcalı, the founder and owner of the group, also owns Hull City football club in the UK.
Acun Ilıcalı expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We hope to create a success story together by delivering inspiring innovative programs to our audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I look forward to taking it to a new level with the Sport1 team.” Bernhard Burgener, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Sport1 Medien AG, commented on the deal, stating, “With Acunmedya Group, our Company has gained an outstanding strategic investor as a partner. I am firmly convinced we can expand Sport1 and make it more successful with him.”
