DFL Secures €4.48 Billion TV Rights Deal, Sparking Debate Over Revenue Distribution

Borussia Mönchengladbach's Virkus advocates for performance-based allocation, challenging calls to prioritize club tradition and fanbase size.

The German Football League (DFL) has finalized a €4.48 billion deal for national TV rights covering the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons, marking an €84 million increase over the current contract.
Borussia Mönchengladbach's Sporting Director Roland Virkus argues that revenue distribution should prioritize club performance rather than tradition or fanbase size.
Virkus emphasized that while factors like fan reach and club history are important, they should not outweigh financial accountability and sporting success.
Traditional clubs like FC Schalke 04, currently struggling in the second division, have called for greater consideration of their historical significance and large fan followings in the revenue-sharing model.
The new TV rights deal highlights ongoing tensions within German football over balancing financial fairness, club heritage, and competitive merit.