RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesSINSHEIM, GERMANY - MAY 2: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) The Bundesliga logo is seen on a broadcast camera prior to the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart at PreZero-Arena on May 2, 2026 in Sinsheim, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)
The Bundesliga isn’t just one of Europe’s highest-quality football leagues, it is also a money machine.
The 24-25 DFL Economic Report revealed a revenue of over €5 billion for the first time in the league’s history. €5.12 billion was enough to trump the €4.8 billion and €4.45 generated in the 2023/24 and 2022/23 seasons, respectively.
So, where exactly does all this money come from?
Between match revenue, advertising, transfers, and merchandising, media revenue contributes the most to the Bundesliga’s total revenue. For example, in the 2024/25 season, it made up one third of total revenue (€1.7 billion).
That money does not belong to the DFL alone. After all, it’s the clubs that draw the eyes of the world to Germany’s top flight season upon season. Therefore, the money is distributed to Bundesliga clubs at the start of every season.
Sport Bild (via @iMiaSanMia ) revealed just how that money will be distributed amongst Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga teams ahead of the 2026/27 season.
It is no surprise Bayern Munich sit on top of the list after winning the 2025/26 Bundesliga title.
In contrast, how exactly do Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt rank above RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart, who both finished ahead of Die Werkself and Die Adler ?
Well, the DFL has implemented a system that rewards long-term stability over short-term success. A five-year rolling average — in which the most recent season has the heaviest weight — is used to calculated the distribution of TV revenue. This protects clubs from overnight financial collapse in the case of a poor season.
On top of success measured over a five-year period, the DFL also awards 3% of the total TV revenue based on “ popularity and interest ”, including TV ratings, fan attendance at stadiums, and fan engagement. An additional 4% is distributed based on “youth development”. One-third of which is rewarded for minutes given to players under the age of 23, and the other two thirds for investments towards the youth academy.
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