Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga Generate Record €6.33bn in 2024/25 Revenues.

Roger Hampel

Image: Unsplash/Josip Ivankovic

German professional football has surpassed €6 billion in total revenue for the first time, according to the DFL Economic Report 2024/25, presented on 26 January 2026 at the DFL’s New Year’s reception.

Across the 36 clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, total revenues reached €6.33 billion, an increase of €461.2 million year-on-year, representing 7.9% growth compared to the 2023/24 season. The sector reported an operating profit of €271.5 million, reinforcing the Bundesliga’s position as one of Europe’s most economically stable football ecosystems.

Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2: Revenue Breakdown

For the first time, the Bundesliga alone exceeded €5 billion in revenue, generating €5.12 billion in the 2024/25 season. This represents an increase of €320.8 million (+6.7%) over the previous record set in 2023/24.

The Bundesliga 2 continued its upward trajectory, with revenues rising to €1.21 billion, up €140.4 million (+13.1%) year-on-year. After surpassing the €1 billion mark for the first time last season, the second division consolidated its financial growth with a double-digit increase.

Profitability and Equity Strengthen Across Clubs

A larger share of clubs reported positive financial results compared to the previous season.

• 13 Bundesliga clubs recorded a profit (up from 9)

• 15 Bundesliga 2 clubs reported a profit (up from 8)

On an EBITDA basis, all 18 Bundesliga clubs and 16 of 18 Bundesliga 2 clubs posted positive results.

Equity levels also reached a new milestone. Total equity in the Bundesliga increased to €2.17 billion, exceeding €2 billion for the first time. All 18 Bundesliga clubs reported positive equity, underlining improved balance-sheet resilience across the league.

Public Finances, Employment and Attendance

German professional football continued to deliver a significant contribution to public finances. In the 2024/25 season, clubs generated almost €1.7 billion in taxes and social contributions. Over the past ten seasons, cumulative payments have exceeded €14 billion.

Employment levels also reached a new high. A total of 64,122 people were directly or indirectly employed by clubs and their subsidiaries, an increase of 2,395 jobs (+3.9%) year-on-year.

Strong spectator demand remained a key revenue driver. The 2024/25 season recorded nearly 21 million tickets sold, representing a new all-time attendance record for German professional football.

Revenue Drivers and Structural Balance

In addition to sustained growth in media rights and commercial revenues, stadium utilisation and matchday demand continued to support overall income levels. Centralised media marketing remains a core pillar of the league’s revenue mix, accounting for nearly one-third of club income.

The figures reflect a financial model that prioritises cost discipline, diversified revenue streams and balance-sheet stability, even as international competition for talent and commercial visibility intensifies.

Executive Comments

Hans-Joachim Watzke, Speaker of the DFL Executive Committee, said:

“The economic growth of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, with renewed record revenues, also has a positive societal effect. This is reflected in the level of taxes and duties paid and in employment figures. In a challenging environment, German professional football is sending strong signals as we approach the 2026 World Cup year.”

Marc Lenz, CEO of the DFL, commented:

“With its balanced mix of income sources and rational use of resources, German professional football continues to manage the tension between sporting competitiveness and economic stability. Strengthening this approach remains essential, particularly in the context of international market dynamics.”

Steffen Merkel, CEO of the DFL, added:

“Record revenues underline football’s strong social relevance and are a key building block for sustainable economic stability. Fans, members, sponsors and media partners all contribute to this performance. Central media marketing remains a critical pillar, and we are working to further strengthen it together with the clubs.”