• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Fan Power in European Soccer Grows As German Football Deal Scuttled 

  • Weeks of increasingly strident protests lead to the end of a proposed private equity deal.
  • League officials cite integrity risks to competition in the wake of numerous match stoppages.
A Bundesliga camera operator during a match
DFL/Bundesliga

The fans won. 

The German Football League (DFL) has abandoned long-discussed plans to sell part of its media rights for roughly $1 billion to private equity, a decision made in the wake of increasingly strident and disruptive fan protests that included throwing objects on match fields such as tennis balls, chocolate coins, and remote-controlled cars filled with smoke flares.

CVC Capital Partners had been the only remaining bidder to invest after fellow finalist Blackstone dropped out of the process earlier this month. 

“It appears that continuing the process successfully is something that is no longer possible,” said DFL executive board spokesperson Hans-Joachim Watzke, who is also the president of the Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund. “German football is in the midst of a crucial test of its strength, and this topic has given rise to considerable conflict. … That conflict is increasingly putting match operations, specific matches, and thus the integrity of the competition at risk.”

The private equity effort—which would involve an upfront investment in exchange for up to 8% of future media and sponsorship revenues over the next two decades—had been intended to help boost the DFL financially, secure larger media rights deals around the world, and keep up with major entities in the sport such as England’s Premier League. 

Instead, the end of the plan represents a major escalation of fans’ power in European soccer that already has seen massive protests in recent years against clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton, and the original Super League. Numerous German matches experienced stoppages due to fan protests. Pro soccer in Germany has long featured a “50+1” ownership rule limiting the role and power of outside investors. Though the potential CVC deal would not have violated that provision, the possibility of outside investment was coldly received by fans from the start. 

“The comprehensive but very peaceful and very creative protests were ultimately the key to success,” said fan group Unsere Kurve.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The Bold NFL Draft Approaches of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders

The longtime college teammates are taking different professional approaches.

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
Jul 20, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Everton defender Nathan Patterson (3) challenged by Minnesota United forward Luis Amarilla (9) in the first half at Allianz Field.

Everton Accelerates Rebound With Addition of Texans Minority Owner

Friedkin acquired Everton in December after a prolonged sale process.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.
FuboTV signage

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.
Apr 20, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
April 22, 2025

NBA Playoffs Deliver Most-Watched Opening Weekend in 25 Years

It was the most-watched opening weekend on ESPN platforms.
Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.
April 23, 2025

Roku’s New Plan to Relieve Streaming Headaches

The streaming company introduces new tools to direct fans to games.
Sponsored

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

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
Shannon Sharpe
April 21, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Accused of Rape in Civil Lawsuit

The case was filed by an anonymous woman in Nevada.
Netflix
April 17, 2025

Netflix Rises While Markets Slide—Thanks in Part to Live Sports

The streaming giant beats financial expectations as its sports presence grows.
Lee Corso
April 17, 2025

Lee Corso Will Retire From ESPN at 90

The broadcaster is hanging up his headgear in August.
April 15, 2025

WNBA Draft Draws 1.25M Viewers, Second-Best Behind 2.45M Last Year

Paige Bueckers was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft.