The Bundesliga generated record revenues for the 10th year in a row during the '13-14 season.
At €2.45B, revenues were up 12.9% on the previous year. Thirteen out of the 18 clubs -- and hence one more than in the previous year -- operated profitably. On the expense side, the staff cost ratio, which expresses the proportion of player and trainer salaries in total revenues, came to 36.8%, which is substantially lower than in the previous year. By comparison, the average Europe-wide figure stands at 65%, according to UEFA. The 2nd Bundesliga also posted record revenues of €458M (up 9.2% on the previous year), while the staff cost ratio was also significantly less than 40%. German Football League (DFL) CEO Christian Seifert: "Over the last few years, professional football in Germany has used its solid financial foundations to achieve outstanding sporting results. Looking forward, the outlook remains upbeat as Bundesliga’s economic growth is continuing unabated." With taxes and duties of more than €875M, German professional football is a major taxpayer. It is also a significant employer. During the '13-14 season, 48,830 people were either employed directly or contracted by the licensed clubs (DFL). BLOOMBERG's Alex Webb reported Bayern Munich "generated more than fifth of the total revenue" in Germany's 18-club Bundesliga last year, "cementing the team's financial dominance." The €529M "in sales" that the record 24-time German champion generated in the '13-14 season compared with the €2.5B "made by all teams in the top division" (BLOOMBERG, 1/22).
 |
| For the full report click on the image. |
