• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 8, 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.

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

Featured Today

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports
January 2, 2026

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.

TGL Ratings Hold Steady Despite ESPN Schedule Shift

The season opener had an audience of 646,000 viewers on ABC.
Dec 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) talks with Yes Network during the winter meetings at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.
exclusive
January 7, 2026

Yankees RSN and Comcast Reach Deal, Preserving Local Access

After nearly a year of acrimony, a new agreement is quietly struck.
Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; An NBC TV camera during the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21.
January 7, 2026

NBCU Betting on Big February Sports Run to Reignite Peacock Growth

Despite a fast-growing set of sports programming, subscribers have plateaued.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jul 13, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Darren Cahill and the support team for Jannik Sinner of Italy react during the menÕs singles final on day 14 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
January 7, 2026

Pam Shriver, Brad Gilbert Out at ESPN As Network Revamps Tennis Coverage

Darren Cahill’s future is still up in the air after nearly 20 years at ESPN.
opinion
January 7, 2026

The New Brady Rules: Why NFL QBs Turned TV Talents Are Double-Dipping

Tom Brady started it, and now other NFL TV stars want dual gigs.
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) celebrates a pick six during the second quarter in an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
January 7, 2026

NFL Sees Highest Viewership in More Than 35 Years

The league posts its second-best viewership total on record.
The Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California, U.S. November 18, 2025.
January 7, 2026

WBD Rejects Paramount Again

The TNT Sports parent company will continue with its planned Netflix merger.