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10h ago

DFL Extends Lenz and Merkel’s Co-CEO Tenure Through 2029

The unanimous decision highlights their leadership in securing record media rights revenue and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.

Marc Lenz und Steffen Merkel die DFL-Geschäftsführer bei der Mitgliederversammlung
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Overview

  • Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel will continue as co-CEOs of the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) until the end of 2029, following a unanimous supervisory board decision.
  • The pair have led the DFL since summer 2023, earning praise for their expertise, unifying leadership, and strong ties to Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga clubs.
  • Under their leadership, the DFL secured a 4.484 billion euro domestic media-rights deal for the 2025/26–2028/29 cycle, a 2% revenue increase compared to the previous term.
  • In early 2024, Lenz and Merkel halted investor negotiations in response to significant fan protests and club concerns, reflecting their sensitivity to stakeholder sentiment.
  • With their contracts extended, the DFL aims to leverage their leadership for structural reforms, evolving marketing strategies, and global growth ambitions.