Record season 2024/25: German professional football surpasses six billion Euros in revenue for the first time
The economic figures for German professional football for the past 2024/25 season are stronger than ever before. This is revealed in the DFL Economic Report 24/25, which was presented today at the DFL’s New Year’s reception.
For the first time, the 36 clubs of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 generated total revenues of more than six billion euros. At €6.33 billion, revenues were €461.2 million higher than in 2023/24, representing an increase of 7.9 percent. Overall, German professional football achieved an operating profit of €271.5 million.
The 18 clubs of the Bundesliga generated more than five billion euros in revenue for the first time in the 2024/25 season. With €5.12 billion, the previous record from last year was surpassed by €320.8 million, an increase of 6.7 percent. After the Bundesliga 2 clubs reported cumulative revenues of more than one billion euros for the first time last season, this figure was increased by another €140.4 million to €1.21 billion – a growth of 13.1 percent.
Significantly more clubs than last year reported positive results and growing equity. 13 first division and 15 second division clubs achieved a profit – compared to 9 and 8, respectively, in the previous year. On an EBITDA basis, i.e., before interest, taxes, and depreciation, all 18 Bundesliga clubs as well as 16 of the 18 Bundesliga 2 clubs closed with a positive balance. Equity in the Bundesliga now stands at €2.17 billion, exceeding two billion euros for the first time. All 18 clubs report positive equity.
Public finances also benefit from this growth. Almost €1.7 billion flowed into taxes and duties. Over the past ten seasons, German professional football has paid more than €14 billion in taxes and social contributions. The number of jobs in the industry also reached a new high. A total of 64,122 people were directly or indirectly employed by the clubs and their subsidiaries. Compared to the previous year, the number of jobs grew by 2,395 or 3.9 percent.
In addition to increased revenues from media rights an advertising, outstanding spectator interest once again contributed to the strong sales figures. Nearly 21 million tickets sold in the 2024/25 season represent a record high.
League President Hans-Joachim Watzke:
“Football brings people together across all differences and boundaries, creating shared experiences. The economic growth of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 – with renewed record revenues – also has a positive societal effect. This is shown by the sum of taxes and duties as well as the number of jobs. In challenging times, German professional football sends strong signals. We can therefore approach the World Cup year 2026 with confidence.”
DFL CEO Marc Lenz:
“With its balanced mix of income and rational use of resources, German professional football maintains the increasingly difficult balance between sporting competitiveness and economic stability – especially in light of international dynamics. It is important to strengthen this sensible path and move forward together. The DFL´s task remains to positively and sustainably shape the framework conditions in which clubs operate both at a sporting and economic level.”
DFL CEO Steffen Merkel:
“Record revenues reflect the great social popularity of football and are also an important building block for sustainable economic stability. Millions of fans and members contribute to the strong economic performance of professional football with their enthusiasm and support. The contribution of sponsors and media partners is also highly relevant. For example, almost every third euro of our clubs’ income comes from the central marketing of media revenues. Together, we are working to further strengthen this pillar of professional football.”
Access the full Economic Report 2024/25 here!
Related news
Who needs what in Europe?
Will BVB and Leverkusen join Bayern in the Champions League knockouts? What's at stake in the Europa League?
Why Dortmund will beat Inter
BVB will lean on their impressive home form and versatile goalscoring options as they look to defeat the Italian side.
Stuttgart jostle for position against Young Boys
Sebastian Hoeneß's side are already assured of a place in the Europa League play-off round, and victory will give them an easier draw, on paper.