Bundesliga co-chief executive Marc Lenz has revealed they remain open to investment from private equity firms in a bid to develop the German top-flight.
As reported in May, the Bundesliga have been exploring a media rights deal for a partial sell-off of their broadcast income.
However, the clubs have continued to resist moves for investment, but German football chiefs are not giving up and are hoping to get a deal done.
CVC Capital Partners, Bridgepoint and KKR have held talks with the Bundesliga about acquiring a minority stake in the league’s international media rights business, while another private equity firm also bid to become the league’s partner.
Increased interest from broadcasters, sponsors and investors have made the Premier League the richest domestic competition on the planet.
Their German counterparts are eager to set up a joint venture with an outside investor to increase their financial fortunes.
Discussions over a 25% stake began in 2021 only to be vetoed by clubs, and attempts to revive the talks were thwarted in May.
The latest investment offer would have seen the Bundesliga receive €2 billion for a 12.5% share in the new company, with the agreement running for two decades.
The English Premier League makes €1.9bn per year from foreign rights alone, while the Bundesliga rakes in just €200 million.
The existing TV income of about €1.3bn per season has been flat for some time, and the German top-flight are hoping to increase the league’s international competitiveness to boost their TV money.
They have a lot of work if they are to start challenging the Premier League and other top European leagues anytime soon.
While Bayern Munich snapping up Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur is a welcome development in terms of growing the club’s and league’s finances, German clubs need to be open to outside investment to keep up with their continental counterparts and the emerging Saudi Pro League.
