DFL readies tender for international rights sell off to private equity investors

February 25 – The German Football League (DFL) is to invite investment bids for a minority stake in its overseas media rights business, according Bloomberg.

Japanese financial services company Nomura were reportedly hired to handle the tender and Bloomberg reports that as many as 30 bidders could enter the race, with Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners, General Atlantic, KKR & Co, Advent International and BC Partners having previously been cited as interested parties.

German football has felt the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic with matches in the top two tiers likely to be played behind closed doors until the end of this season, resulting in a significant drop in revenue for the clubs.

The DFL generates €1.1 billion a season from domestic TV rights, a drop from the previous cycle, but has laggred behind in marketing and monetising its product abroad, with rights contracts well behind both the Premier League with €1.5 billion and La Liga with €897 million

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1711696416labto1711696416ofdlr1711696416owedi1711696416sni@o1711696416fni1711696416