• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Bayern Munich Lets $100M Qatar Airways Deal End

  • The German soccer club and Qatar-owned airline are not renewing their deal.
  • Qatar’s sports investments have recently expanded into major U.S. sports.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

As financial investment from the Middle East continues to pour into American sports, a major European team is opting against the idea.

German soccer giant Bayern Munich is severing ties with Qatar Airways, which reportedly paid the club more than $109 million over the past five years to display its logo on players’ sleeves.

Bayern and the airline — owned by Qatar’s government — said it was a mutual decision not to renew the contract, which expires Friday. A joint statement touted the success both sides have had working together.

Supporters of the German club had long been opposed to the deal with Qatar. One fan club member said there would have been “continued protests,” like displaying banners during Bayern games calling out the team for sportswashing.

The move comes shortly after the Qatar Investment Authority struck a deal to purchase a roughly 5% stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment — owner of the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics — becoming the first sovereign wealth fund to invest in major U.S. professional sports teams.

Qatar’s investment portfolio includes majority ownership of French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain, which counts Qatar Airways as its primary shirt sponsor.

An interesting aside in the Bayern situation: In 2009, Qatar acquired a 17% stake in Volkswagen — the German carmaker is a minority owner of Bayern through a 9% share in the club held by VW subsidiary Audi.

A new sleeve sponsor will be a top priority for Bayern, which brought in $739 million in revenue during the 2021-22 season, according to Forbes.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

All-Star Game Returns to Atlanta With Big Plans After 2021 Exit

The league’s jewel event is set to be a global showcase for The Battery.

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.

Deion Sanders Rips ‘Bulljunk’ in CFB, Calls for NFL-Style Salary Cap

Coach Prime is frustrated with the new revenue-sharing era.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Alex Rodriguez

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
July 9, 2025

From Dynasty to Disarray: Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

He served as Red Bull team principal for more than two decades.
Alex Sarr
July 9, 2025

Wizards Pushing Limits of Youth With 11 Players on Rookie Deals

Washington’s 2025 first-round pick is top-eight protected.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Chelsea Club World Cup Run Banks at Least $100M for Mark Walter..

The Blues will likely take home between $100 million and $120 million.
July 8, 2025

Texas Sports Teams, Leagues Donate Over $5M to Flood Relief

NFL, MLB, and NBA teams in Texas donate to flood recovery efforts.
Chelsea
July 8, 2025

Club World Cup Semis Are Battle to Make Richest Soccer Final Ever

Semifinalists have each earned at least $60 million from the tournament so far.
July 7, 2025

Nationals Hit Reset Button, Oust Rizzo and Martinez Before Draft

The MLB club made major leadership changes just days before the draft.