Friday, April 10, 2026

DFL Seeking Up to $3.25B for Bundesliga TV Rights

  • The DFL has created a framework for a stake sale in its television rights.
  • The league is reportedly looking to generate around $2.7 billion to $3.25 billion from the sale.
A Bundesliga camera operator during a match
DFL/Bundesliga

The DFL has created a framework for a stake sale in its television rights — and, according to multiple reports, is looking to generate around $2.7 billion to $3.25 billion.

The governing body of Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga reportedly wants to offload a 12-15% stake in a new licensing company that will sell domestic and international broadcasting rights over a set time of 25-30 years. 

  • Investors will have no influence on the clubs or league schedule.
  • The DFL issued a press release stating that the top two divisions need investment to guarantee growth and development.
  • The Bundesliga currently earns around $1.2 billion annually from national rights — significantly lower than the $1.9 billion the English Premier League earns.

The framework would still allow the DFL to follow the so-called 50+1 rule, which requires parent clubs to own at least 50% plus one additional share of the football company. 

The plan is set to be presented to the DFL board this week and will be voted on by members of the 36 Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs once approved.

Sixth Stake

Sixth Street is set to become a sixth potential bidder, according to the Financial Times, which also reported that Bundesliga is looking to sell a 25% stake in the new venture for around $4.8 billion, valuing the rights at roughly $19.3 billion.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NWSL Investor Monarch’s Next Move Is German Soccer

The firm already owns the maximum three stakes in NWSL teams.

Premier League Sets New Highs: $3.2B Spent, Record U.S. Viewership

The league’s transfer spending beats the rest of Europe’s Big Five combined.
Nov 7, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; General overhead view of the Atlanta United and the Columbus Crew match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Will MLS Switch Its Seasons to Fall? Owners Near a Defining Vote

A long-discussed and historic schedule shift could at last gain approval.

Featured Today

College Athletes Are Ignoring NCAA Gambling Bans

“We were going to bet regardless,” says one former D-I athlete.
April 8, 2026

Why Did FIFA Do a Deal With an Obscure Prediction Market?

The product is scheduled to launch on Thursday.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
April 1, 2026

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on field before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
exclusive

Vrabel-Russini Photos Were Shopped to Multiple Outlets

The New York Post published the now-viral photos on Tuesday.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sam Burns putts on the 15th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Amazon Passes Masters Test During Debut

Prime Video streamed two hours of coverage Thursday afternoon.
Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
opinion
April 9, 2026

Why Prime Video Was Wise to Lay Up During Masters Debut

Amazon’s modern broadcast still felt traditional.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 9, 2026

NFL Faces DOJ Investigation With Media-Rights Battle Heating Up

Washington’s growing scrutiny of the league is deeply layered.
Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; ESPN reporter Holly Rowe during practice for the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
April 9, 2026

Holly Rowe Talks WNBA Draft, Auriemma-Staley Dustup

The ESPN reporter addressed a variety of women’s basketball topics.
April 8, 2026

Men’s March Madness Title Game Draws 18.3M Viewers, Up 23%

Michigan’s title win completes an emphatic run of audience increases.
Jul 12, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former WNBA player Sue Bird arrives on the red carpet before the 2023 ESPYS at the Dolby Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
exclusive
April 8, 2026

Sue Bird Expected to Join NBC/Peacock WNBA Coverage

Bird previously hosted Final Four alt-casts for ESPN with Diana Taurasi.