The Bundesliga, German soccer’s top-flight is readying itself to launch its own over-the-top (OTT) subscription service in select international markets from the 2020/21 season.

Plans for the ‘Bundesliga Pass’ were revealed at the German Football League’s (DFL) general assembly and would see a platform made available to stream all league matches in markets where the competition does not secure rights bids it deems acceptable from broadcasters, as well as in territories where the league is looking to grow the brand.

Live rights to the second-tier 2 Bundesliga could also be shown if there is sufficient interest, along with archive content.

As part of the strategy, The DFL would also consider selling exclusive rights to certain matches to a broadcaster, leaving the rest of the games to be streamed on the Bundesliga Pass.

However, DFL chief executive Christian Seifert confirmed he would prefer to secure media rights deals in international territories before implementing the OTT platform, telling his members that the pass was not the favoured option, clarifying it would be used “in certain markets if required.”

Though the DFL did not officially confirm the service would launch at the start of next season, it stated that Bundesliga Pass would be ready to go if required, with a version of the product already being tested internally. Footage showcasing the platform also aired at the general assembly meeting.

Another reason to ready the OTT service is because it gives Bundesliga International, the league’s rights selling arm, more leverage in negotiations, which are set to get underway as contracts with international broadcasters outside of Europe and China expire after the 2019/20 campaign.

Additionally, the pass would enable the Bundesliga to take unsatisfactory rights deals off the table, knowing they can use it to show games in a certain market.

The DFL has already made inroads into OTT streaming this year after the launch of Uefa.tv, where the Bundesliga will have its own dedicated channel. It was also reported that ESPN+ is set to add exclusive US rights from the top-flight to its portfolio after the current deal with Fox expires.