ESPN have agreed a deal with the German Football League which will enable them to broadcast up to five Bundesliga matches per weekend live in Great Britain and Ireland.

The deal, which commences immediately with the 2009/10 season and lasts three years, also includes a highlights package for the remaining Bundesliga fixtures.

The Bundesliga season gets under way on August 7 with defending champions Wolfsburg hosting Stuttgart at the VW-Arena.

Record champions Bayern Munich are in action for the first time on Saturday, August 8 when they travel to Hoffenheim.

Speaking after the deal was made public today, Dr Robert Niemann, chairman of the German Football League's Sports Enterprises division, said the deal ensured "the Bundesliga will be present on television in all of the major markets throughout the world".

Jorg Daubitzer, general manager of the DFL Sports Enterprises division, added in a press release his "delight that we have managed to gain ESPN for another partnership".

He added: "The Bundesliga therefore expands its presence in the motherland of football."