The German Football League (DFL) has released its financial report for the 2023-24 season, revealing significant year-on-year (YoY) growth across its 36 clubs. Total revenue reached €5.87 billion (AUD$10.17 billion), reflecting a 12% increase from the previous season.
For the first time in history, 2. Bundesliga clubs surpassed the €1 billion (AUD$1.73 billion) revenue mark. This milestone was largely driven by the presence of former top-tier clubs Hertha Berlin and FC Schalke, both of which were relegated last season.
The Bundesliga alone generated €4.8 billion (AUD$8.32 billion), with media rights making up the largest portion at €1.5 billion (AUD$2.60 billion), or 32% of total revenue. Sponsorships and player transfers contributed €1 billion (AUD$1.73 billion) each, each accounting for 21% of earnings.
Though media rights income remained stable at €1.5 billion, its overall share of total revenue dropped from 34% to 30%. Meanwhile, transfer income surged by more than €400 million (AUD$693 million), reaching €617 million (AUD$1 billion), underscoring the increasing financial impact of player sales.
DFL Leadership Emphasizes Sustainable Growth
In a joint statement, DFL chief executives Marx Lenz and Steffen Merkel praised the financial resilience of German football while acknowledging the challenges of international competition.
“For the first time since the pandemic, all 18 Bundesliga clubs reported positive equity, and 14 out of 18 second-division teams did the same,” they said.
They also reaffirmed the 50+1 rule, which limits external investor control over clubs, stating that while it may create challenges, German football must find its own sustainable path to growth while ensuring fairness in European competition.
Beyond financial gains, the Bundesliga also achieved record matchday attendance, employment growth, and tax contributions in the 2023-24 season, further strengthening its position as one of Europe’s top football leagues.
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