Bundesliga, once known as the most honest competition, is no longer so, according to Kahn. - Bundesliga's reputation as "the most honest competition" has been called into question by Kahn.
In an interview with Kicker, former German national player Oliver Kahn expressed concerns about the growing wealth gap in the Bundesliga. Kahn, who is now a board member at Bayer Leverkusen, believes that the league has lost ground internationally due to financial disparities.
While the Bundesliga secured about €1.121 billion per season in domestic TV rights for the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons, the wealthiest clubs continue to dominate earnings. The league's income distribution model, however, aims to limit extreme financial polarization.
The distribution of TV revenue is based on four pillars: equal distribution (50%), sporting performance (43%), youth development (4%), and popularity and interest (3%). This structure encourages competitiveness and provides some financial stability to smaller clubs [1][2].
The 50+1 ownership rule in Germany is another measure designed to limit external investors' control and keep clubs member-run, preventing runaway financial escalation. This rule aims to preserve the Bundesliga's reputation for competitiveness, sustainability, and fan-centered governance [3].
Despite these measures, Kahn believes that the dominance of FC Bayern Munich and the increasing wealth gap are impacting the Bundesliga's ability to retain top talent and compete for international trophies. The league faces challenges from wealthier clubs in other major leagues whose ownership structures and revenues from global markets allow significantly greater financial muscle [1][2][3].
Kahn's concerns are not unfounded. Since the 2012/13 season, Munich has only missed the title once in the national elite league. In the last ten years, German football clubs have only won two major international titles, with Bayern winning the Champions League in 2020 and Eintracht Frankfurt winning the Europa League in 2022 [4].
Kahn's views echo those of many who question the significance of the German championship title due to FC Bayern's dominance in the Bundesliga. He believes that mentality, tactical maturity, and individual class in Germany need to reach a different level to keep up with the best in the long run [4].
Despite the challenges, the DFL’s nuanced TV revenue sharing and support for youth and fan engagement are strategic to strengthen the Bundesliga's long-term appeal and competitiveness internationally [1][2][3]. The league's unique approach helps safeguard its distinct identity and international standing, even as financial pressures mount globally in elite football.
References: [1] Bundesliga.com, "Bundesliga secures €1.121 billion per season in domestic TV rights for 2025/26 to 2028/29", 2023. [2] DW.com, "German football's growing wealth gap: Oliver Kahn speaks out", 2023. [3] The Guardian, "How the Bundesliga's 50+1 rule is shaping the future of football", 2022. [4] Spiegel.de, "FC Bayern Munich: The dominance of the German champions", 2023.
In an effort to address the concerns raised by Oliver Kahn about the growing wealth gap in the Bundesliga, strategic measures such as the distribution of TV revenue, youth development programs, and the 50+1 ownership rule, among others, have been implemented. Yet, with the dominance of FC Bayern Munich and the wealthier clubs in other leagues, Kahn emphasizes the need for German clubs to improve their mentality, tactical maturity, and individual class to maintain competitiveness and retain top talent in the international football scene.
Moreover, participation in vocational training programs, particularly in the field of sports, could potentially help develop the overall skillset and talent pool within the Bundesliga, ensuring a more level playing field and strengthening the league's competitiveness on both the national and international stages.
