Thursday September 28, 2023

German Soccer Delays Selling $3.6B Stake in Bundesliga Media Rights

  • The looming deal is for a minority stake in the league's media rights worth $3.6 billion.
  • A deal was expected to be reached in October.
Camera with Bundesliga logo films soccer game
DFL
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

The Milwaukee Bucks altered the NBA by swinging a deal for Damian Lillard.
Listen Now
September 28, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

German soccer’s governing body isn’t quite ready to sell a piece of the media rights for the country’s top professional league.

Deutsche Fussball Liga has reportedly postponed the sale of a 20% stake in the Bundesliga’s media rights until 2023 after clubs in Germany’s first- and second-tier leagues failed to reach a deal.

  • The minority stake is worth $3.6 billion.
  • A deal was expected to be reached in October.
  • The Bundesliga’s media rights business is valued between $16 billion and $19 billion.

In August, the DFL hired Deutsche Bank AG to facilitate the sale as part of a plan to recoup pandemic losses that have plagued clubs across the world. The DFL has also considered loans and other strategic investment ideas to reinvigorate pro soccer in Germany.

Bundesliga

Germany’s Soccer Body Seeks to Recoup Losses with Media Arm Sale

Germany’s governing soccer body is looking for financing opportunities.
August 22, 2022

Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners and roughly 10 other private equity firms have expressed interest in implementing a growth strategy in the DFL to improve its finances.

In March, CVC acquired a 13% stake worth $1.6 billion in the media rights of Ligue 1 — France’s premier pro soccer league.

Heavy Losses 

The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 have lost more than $1.1 billion in revenue since 2020. 

During the 2020-21 season, sales for the 36 clubs dropped 10.5% to nearly $4.5 billion behind reduced ticket income and other factors.

Last season, clubs were required to pay roughly $1.4 billion in “taxes and duties overall.”

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PGA Tour Receiving New Investor Interest Amid Saudi Deal

U.S. investors are reportedly wanting to get involved with the Tour.

Prime Effect: Colorado Athletics Sponsorship Revenue Up 42% This Season

The Coach Prime impact is hitting all areas of the athletic department.

Bay Area WNBA Expansion Latest Step In League Growth

A new team is reportedly coming to the Bay Area.
Olympique-Lyonnais

French Soccer Club Lyon Seeking $300M Capital Raise

The club was sold for a record price last French year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Bucks Go All-In on Giannis Era

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

BioSteel

BioSteel Bankruptcy Shows Perils of Costly Sports Partnerships

BioSteel spent heavily on partnerships deals before bankruptcy.
Taylor Swift at Chiefs vs. Bears game.
September 27, 2023

Taylor Swift NFL Hype Likely To Continue Another Week

Swift could drive blockbuster TV ratings for NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
September 27, 2023

Lillard And Giannis Pairing Could Be Big For The NBA, Too

Bucks to be featured on national TV 19 times this season
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations
WWE-Wrestling-Ring

Panini Picks Up Legal Win, Will Still Make WWE Trading Cards

New York judge denies WWE's bid for restraining order
September 25, 2023

Hollywood Writers' Deal Would Boost Sports Networks and Agencies

Several major sports media entities, talent agencies exposed to strike's effects
September 21, 2023

TKO Makes First Big Move After WWE-UFC Merger

Investors drop TKO shares by 15% following SmackDown rights deal
Deion Sanders
September 19, 2023

Deion Sanders' Sunglass Tiff Nets Eyewear Company Nearly $4.5 Million

Sanders has Midas touch for sunglasses sponsor Blenders.
September 15, 2023

Goldman Sachs Opens Door For Clients To Invest In Sports Teams

Firm initiative opens new opportunities for wealthiest clients
An Everton player displays shirt sponsor Stake.com, a gambling company, during a match.
September 15, 2023

Everton Acquisition By 777 Partners Extends U.S. Presence in Premier League

American entities now control half of Premier League clubs
September 12, 2023

TKO $21B Merger Closes With Aggressive Ambitions

Newly created company looks to accelerate existing growth trajectory
CAA
September 7, 2023

Pinault Completes Landmark $7B Acquisition Of CAA

Major talent agency now in control of French billionaire