Title: Revamped DFL's Hunt for Investors: Unveiling the Billion-Euro Deal
As the days tick by, Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel, the respective managing directors of the German Football League (DFL), find themselves swamped with crucial appointments. The shared objective? Secure a billion-euro partnership with an external investor by the end of March the following year. Deutsche Presse-Agentur answers your top queries.
Who's the DFL talking to?
An impressive six corporations have shown interest in partnering with the DFL. Engaging discussions are now underway and set to be elevated further. In the words of Lenz, every prospective ally has signed off on the DFL's guidelines. "A collaborative business plan based on our core principles will soon be addressed with each contender, scrutinizing the added value they could bring," Lenz explicated[1]. He went on to say: "We'll proceed with multiple interested entities." According to ARD reports, three of those offers appear exceedingly appealing.
What's the DFL's game plan with that moolah?
A substantial €600 million will be funneled toward myriad digitalization and global expansion projects. Key components include the creation of their very own streaming platform, challenging rivals around the globe. Additional resources will be dedicated to strengthening foreign promotion and shoring up intellectual property rights against piracy. A sum of €100 million has been earmarked for boosting international travel by Bundesliga clubs. Leftover funds will serve as a reserve for compensating the investor's shares in the first 6 to 7 years.
What does the DFL pay their future partner?
The DFL's 36 elite clubs stand to surrender a maximum 8% of their Media Rights earnings yearly for 2 decades upon finalizing the agreement[2]. These allocations will shift in 2025/26 for the subsequent 3 seasons (2025/26 to 2028/29). Innovative formats, offers, and possibilities will debut "to further champion our media partners in delivering tailored fan experiences," emphasized Merkel[2]. The DFL aims to rally rising revenues to counterbalance this obligation to the investor. "An enhanced media product will be showcased in 2024," asserted Merkel[2]. "We'll enter the bidding process with confidence."
What's the general sentiment among fans?
The overwhelming majority opposes the involvement of an investor[3]. "Money over all else," lamented the "Unsere Kurve" alliance. "The distinct essence of German football risks being thrown overboard for a futile chase after the Premier League's glitter." Most spectators fear that this investor may exert undue influence and skew competition accordingly[3]. However, Merkel pledged to handle the mandate meticulously, and Lenz vowed never to cross certain lines.
Sources:
- [1]
- [2] ARD News
- [3] "Unsere Kurve"
Additional Insights:
- The German Press Agency (Deutsche Presse-Agentur) regularly delivers updates on the DFL's investor hunt
- The DFL is considering focusing on "growth projects" starting from the 2026/27 season, earmarking €10 million for the initiative in the first year[1]
- The Frankfurt on the Main, Hesse, city is home to both the DFL and Deutsche Presse-Agentur
- The Markets and Media sections of German newspapers and online publications may cover the DFL's investor search and its potential consequences on Bundesliga clubs
