Sports reporter legend Ulli Potofski dies at the age of 73

Longtime sports reporter Ulli Potofski has died. His brother Norbert and his former wife Monika Potofski confirmed this to the German Press Agency. Potofski, who had covered the Bundesliga for Premiere and later Sky since 2006, died at the age of 73. Bild newspaper was the first to report on the death.

The Gelsenkirchen native commentated on matches and worked as a pitchside reporter for pay TV. Even at over 70, Potofski was still involved in day-to-day business. "An older player on the team is always good," the journalist told "Sport Bild" in 2023 about his role. At that time, he had extended his contract with Sky for another two years.

Potofski started at WDR in the 1970s and moved to RTL in 1984. In 1989, he received the Bambi Award for Most Popular Television Presenter. In addition to sporting events, he also reported on Domino Day, which was broadcast annually on the Cologne-based TV station between 1998 and 2009.

He later moved to Sky, where he covered the Bundesliga and other major sporting events such as the Wimbledon tennis tournament starting in 2006. Potofski also authored several children's books, such as "Locke Keeps the Ball" and "Locke Storms Out."

On July 31, just under a week ago, Potofski spoke about his current hospital stay in his podcast "Heart, Soul, Ball." "I've landed back in my hospital, and hopefully I'll be well cared for here. And Heart, Soul, Ball will carry on," Potofski said, his voice noticeably weaker. Potofski spoke about Schalke, Hertha, Fabian Reese—and "an exciting season" in the 2. Bundesliga.

On July 6, Potofski last spoke on Instagram and thanked his partner Nadja for her loyalty “for over ten years.”

RND/axl