German Football Breaks Revenue Record For 2024/25 Season

German professional football has recorded its strongest financial performance to date, with revenues surpassing €6 billion for the first time, according to the DFL Economic Report 2024/25 presented at the DFL’s New Year’s reception.

The 36 clubs across the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 generated combined revenues of €6.33 billion during the 2024/25 season, an increase of €461.2 million or 7.9 per cent compared with the previous campaign. The leagues also posted an operating profit of €271.5 million, underlining the sector’s growing financial stability.

Bundesliga clubs alone broke the €5 billion barrier for the first time, recording revenues of €5.12 billion. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 6.7 per cent and exceeds last season’s record by €320.8 million. Bundesliga 2 continued its upward trajectory as well, with revenues rising 13.1 per cent to €1.21 billion after passing the €1 billion mark for the first time last season.

Financial health improved across both divisions, with a significantly higher number of clubs reporting profits. Thirteen Bundesliga clubs and 15 Bundesliga 2 clubs finished the season in the black, compared to nine and eight respectively in 2023/24. On an EBITDA basis, all 18 Bundesliga clubs and 16 of the 18 second-division clubs posted positive results. Equity in the Bundesliga rose to a record €2.17 billion, with all top-flight clubs now reporting positive equity positions.

The report also highlights the broader economic impact of professional football in Germany. Almost €1.7 billion was paid in taxes and duties during the season, bringing total tax and social contribution payments over the past decade to more than €14 billion. Employment linked to the clubs and their subsidiaries reached a new high of 64,122 jobs, up 3.9 per cent year on year.

Strong fan engagement remained a key driver of growth. Nearly 21 million tickets were sold during the 2024/25 season, setting a new attendance record, alongside increased revenues from media rights and advertising.

DFL League President Hans-Joachim Watzke said the financial growth of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 also carries social significance. “Football brings people together across all differences and boundaries,” he said, adding that the rise in tax contributions and employment demonstrates the positive societal impact of the sport. “In challenging times, German professional football sends strong signals.”

DFL CEO Marc Lenz emphasised the importance of maintaining balance between competitiveness and stability, particularly in an increasingly complex international environment, while fellow CEO Steffen Merkel highlighted the role of fans, sponsors and media partners in driving record revenues. He noted that nearly one-third of club income now comes from centrally marketed media rights.

With record revenues, rising employment and growing equity, the DFL said German professional football is well positioned as it looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup year with confidence.

_{Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Manuel Hoster, Unsplash / Hannes Kocholl}