German Football Clubs Approve €1 Billion TV Rights Stake Sale

The contentious decision, aimed at boosting Bundesliga’s competitiveness, will see an eight percent share of TV and marketing rights sold to an external investor.

German football clubs have approved a plan to sell a stake in their TV rights to an external investor, in a potential deal worth up to €1 billion.
The deal, which was approved by 24 out of 36 clubs, will see the German Football League (DFL) sell an eight percent share of its TV and marketing rights in a 20-year agreement.
The investment is intended to boost the Bundesliga’s competitiveness, with a focus on digitalisation and internationalisation, including the creation of an in-house video and streaming platform.
Despite the approval, the decision remains contentious, with ten clubs voting against the proposal due to concerns about partnering with a private equity firm.
The DFL has assured that the investor will not have influence over league matters like kickoff times and will not be able to push for German league games to be played outside of the country.