Record-breaking Ticket Sales Reach Nearly 21 Million for the DFL
In a historic milestone, the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) announced on Thursday that the 36 clubs in the Bundesliga and 2. Liga sold an impressive 21 million tickets during the 2024/25 season, setting a new record for German professional football.
The 2. Liga alone sold a total of 9,330,725 tickets, corresponding to an average of 30,493 tickets per game. This figure represents a nearly six percent increase compared to the previous season. Meanwhile, the Bundesliga sold a total of 11,653,239 tickets, with an average of 38,082 spectators per match, albeit slightly below last year's level.
DFL CEO Marc Lenz attributed the record level of ticket sales to several key factors. He noted that the clubs' strong roots, regardless of their league affiliation, have played a significant role in drawing large crowds. Lenz also highlighted the high stadium safety and moderate ticket prices compared to international standards as contributing factors.
One of the primary reasons for the high attendance and ticket sales is the strong spectator demand and fan loyalty. German professional football drew about 21 million spectators with an average attendance of 95.9% capacity in the Bundesliga and around 30,493 spectators per game in Bundesliga 2, indicating very high stadium occupancy rates and fan interest.
Historic and large stadiums in Bundesliga 2, such as Dynamo Dresden's Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion (capacity 32,085) and Magdeburg's Avnet Arena (capacity 30,098), attract sizeable crowds. Clubs like Dynamo Dresden, who were promoted to Bundesliga 2, are expected to maintain strong support due to their rich history and large capacity stadiums.
The presence of big, traditionally well-supported clubs in 2. Liga, such as Schalke 04, Köln, Hamburg, and Hertha Berlin, also contributes to the high attendance. For example, Schalke 04 had an astonishing average attendance of 61,639 in Bundesliga 2, significantly boosting overall numbers.
The robust football culture and ticket accessibility in Germany have also played a role. The consistent rise in average Bundesliga attendance since the 2000s, rising to near 40,000 in 2023/24, reflects a sustained cultural appetite for live football. This is supported by well-managed ticket sales and stadium experience facilitating full or near-full stadiums regularly.
The Bundesliga and its 2. Liga remain among the top European leagues by average attendance. The Bundesliga 1 is at around 38,662 spectators per game, while Bundesliga 2 is at 30,850 spectators per game, reflecting a solid fan base and popular competitive football.
Lenz concluded that the constant high enthusiasm for the Bundesligen is impressive, and he looks forward to another successful season in the upcoming years. The record-breaking ticket sales for the 2024/25 season serve as a testament to the enduring passion and love for football in Germany.
In light of the record-breaking ticket sales, the 2. Liga's impressive figure of 9,330,725 tickets sold directly correlates to an average of 30,493 spectators per game, marking a nearly six percent increase compared to the previous season. This high attendance and fan interest for German professional football extend to European leagues, making the Bundesliga and its 2. Liga among the top leagues by average attendance.
