• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 18, 2025

DFL Will See At Least Three Bids For $1B Bundesliga Media Stake

  • Investment plan to keep up with European rivals takes key step forward.
  • Bidders met with several firm conditions from league.
A Bundesliga camera operator during a match
DFL/Bundesliga

At least three major investors are submitting bids for a minority stake worth as much as $1.1 billion in the German Football League’s media rights, bringing the long-considered plan a step closer to fruition. 

Days after the governing body for German professional soccer reportedly invited five suitors to submit bids, Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners, and EQT are each tendering offers, according to Bloomberg. Advent International, also in the original group, remains interested in a potential stake deal.

The DFL is designed to help bring in outside investors and much-needed cash, particularly as the league attempts to keep up with heightened competition from European powerhouses such as the Premier League and La Liga. A recent DFL letter to the clubs discusses “securing the sporting and economic competitive position of the federal leagues.” 

This is the third attempt to sell part of the DFL media rights to private equity, with several of the firms being considered (including CVC, Blackstone, and Advent) previously showing interest. A prior effort in May failed to win sufficient support, and the DFL discontinued a similar initiative in 2021. 

Deal Terms

The DFL is seeking bids of up to $1.1 billion for a stake as high as 8% in a vehicle holding the DFL’s broadcasting rights. 

Notably, bidding terms require that suitors, as well as their own backing investors, come from Western nations, thus excluding highly resourced investors from the Middle East and China that have increasingly become a force elsewhere in sports. The DFL is also reserving the right to exclude bidders from holding more than a 10% stake in a rival league. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jason Belzer

College Sports Is ‘Too Big of an Opportunity’

Panelists at the Asset Class summit agreed college sports is the next frontier.
Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Semaj Morgan (0) makes a catch for a first down in the first half against the USC Trojans at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Michigan Board Publicly Opposes Big Ten Investment Proposal

“The Big Ten does not need to be sold to save college sports.”
Cody Campbell

Texas Tech Booster Cody Campbell Slams Conference PE Deals

Campbell said the concept goes against “all the laws of finance.”

Featured Today

May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
IndyCar driver Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood, left, celebrates winning the Detroit Grand Prix with team co-owner Dan Towriss in Detroit on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss Defends  $700 Million Apple Deal

“We’re going to have a bigger reach than what people think.”
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Second place Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) sprays champagne on winner Mercedes driver George Russell (63) at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 17, 2025

Apple Officially Taking F1 Rights From ESPN in $700M Deal

ESPN has broadcast F1 in the U.S. since 2018.
Hansi Flick
October 17, 2025

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 16, 2025

NHL Expansion Fee Soars to $2B As League’s Value Surges

The buy-in price for the league will more than triple.
WNBA
October 16, 2025

WNBA Says All-Star Game Will Return to Chicago Next Year

The league’s CBA expires in two weeks.
October 15, 2025

NHL Raises Concerns Over 2026 Olympic Arena’s Delayed Construction

The commissioner says construction progress in Italy remains a deep concern.
Apr 4, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first quarter in a semifinal of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament against the Texas Longhorns at Amalie Arena.
October 14, 2025

Dawn Staley Says NBA Far From Ready to Hire a Female Head..

South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach interviewed with the Knicks.