The top two-tiers of German Football, The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 have recorded more than a 10% loss in revenue for the 2020/21 season.
The season, which was largely played behind closed doors affected match revenue which saw a 95% decline from the prior season.
With only ten out of the 36 clubs recording profits in the 2020/21 season, the Bundesliga recorded an 8% decline in total profits.
The Bundesliga 2 was hardest hit by the games being played behind closed doors, seeing a 21% loss in revenue to €EUR576 million.
Match revenue across both leagues plummeted 95% from €EUR650 million to €EUR35.5 million.
However, the costs for the entire season were massively down across the two leagues with a €EUR369.3 million decrease in expenditure.
Despite the negative financial records, the sport’s governing body the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) noted that the clubs collectively paid €EUR1.1 billion in tax – the third highest in German Football history.
Along with the impact on the financial side, the DFL announced that over 50% of its workforce was no longer employed by the end of the 2020/21 season.
DFL chief executive, Donata Hopfen commented on the financial report saying: “Over the past two years, the pandemic has already had a dramatic economic impact on the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2.”
“Sadly, it is also affecting the current season – primarily because, once again, the stands often had to remain empty,”
“In addition, there is the increasingly uncertain geopolitical situation and the fact that the revenue from the marketing of German-language media rights for the current 2021/22 season and the revenue from international marketing are lower than a year ago.”
“We are facing an unprecedented situation. The era of growth as something to be taken for granted seems to be over.”
“Without a doubt, this will massively impact our development in the years to come. Nevertheless, considerable challenges always come with considerable opportunities.”
“We must explore new avenues to make the German professional football future-proof while upholding our traditions and values.”
“We will take on these topics together with all the clubs.”
