• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

German Soccer’s $1B Stake Sale Could Have Multiple Bidders

  • Five potential strategic partners are now being considered.
  • German pro league looking to keep up with advancing competition elsewhere in Europe.
DFL

The German Football League is advancing further on its developing effort to sell part of its media rights to private investors for as much as $1.1 billion, reportedly inviting five suitors to submit bids.

The governing body of German professional soccer has informed the 36 clubs in the top two divisions that potential strategic partners being considered are Advent International, Blackstone, Bridgepoint, CVC Capital Partners, and EQT, according to Reuters. 

At least four of these entities are expected to submit preliminary bids by early December. A general meeting is scheduled for Dec. 11, during which clubs are expected to vote on whether to hold an auction for the rights. A two-thirds majority is required to continue. 

The latest plan is designed to help bring in outside investors and much-needed cash, particularly as the DFL attempts to keep up with heightened competition from European powerhouses such as the Premier League and La Liga. To that end, the 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, and several of the firms being considered, including CVC, Blackstone, and Advent, previously showed interest in investing. A prior effort in May failed to win sufficient support, and the DFL discontinued a similar initiative in 2021. 

The latest attempt is said to be structured as a reverse auction in which private equity firms would be asked how big an equity stake they would seek in return for the investment up to $1.1 billion — with the likely condition that stake remains below 10%.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Everyone in Sports Wants to Be an Owner

The new brass ring for everyone in sports.

LAFC’s Record Son Deal Brings Global Buzz and Local Pride

Los Angeles has the largest Korean community in the country.

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

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.

WNBA Struggling to Prevent Repeat Dildo Incidents

The league appears to have no answers to the copycats plaguing games.
DiJonai Carrington
August 7, 2025

This WNBA Trade Deadline Could Be League’s Last Snoozer

A new CBA could give GMs more flexibility.
August 8, 2025

Victoria Mboko Wins Canadian Open, Nearly Triples Career Earnings

Mboko defeated Naomi Osaka to win the Canadian Open.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Apr 6, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Marc Leishman (center) celebrates with his teammates after winning the final round of the LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.
August 7, 2025

Trump Golf Courses Secure 2026 Stops on LIV, PGA

For the fifth consecutive year, LIV golf returns to a Trump course.
August 7, 2025

More Dildo Throwing During WNBA Games Leads to Second Arrest

The 18-year-old threw a dildo that hit another fan and his young niece.
August 7, 2025

Smelling Salts Not Banned in the NFL, but Teams Can’t Hand Them..

Teams are banned from supplying smelling salts to their players.
August 6, 2025

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.