RTL Group says H1 2026 streaming unit profitable, Sky deal finalized

RTL Group said on Tuesday its streaming unit turned profitable in the first half of 2026, marking a key milestone for the company’s digital transition, while also confirming the closure of its acquisition of Sky Deutschland.

The Luxembourg-based media conglomerate, which operates in television, streaming and production, reported that its streaming division posted its first profitable quarter since launch, driven by subscriber growth and higher advertising revenue. The unit, which includes services such as RTL+ in Germany and Videoland in the Netherlands, has expanded its content library and improved monetization through tiered subscription models.

Concurrently, RTL Group announced the completion of its previously announced acquisition of Sky Deutschland from Comcast Corporation. The deal, valued at approximately €22.5 billion, was finalized after receiving regulatory clearance from the European Commission. The integration of Sky Deutschland is expected to accelerate RTL’s expansion in the German-speaking markets and strengthen its position in pay-TV and broadband services.

RTL Group’s chief executive, Thomas Rabe, stated that the profitability of the streaming unit and the closing of the Sky deal represent "a transformative moment" for the company, positioning it to compete more effectively in Europe’s evolving media landscape. "We are now a leader in both traditional and digital media," Rabe said in a statement.

Shares in RTL Group rose 3.2% in early trading on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange following the announcement. Analysts at Berenberg noted that the streaming profitability milestone validates RTL’s long-term strategy, though they cautioned that integration risks remain with the Sky acquisition.

The company plans to provide further financial details, including segment performance and outlook, during its full-year results presentation scheduled for November 2026.