Bayern Munich Exec Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Calls For Decentralization Of TV Rights Sales

Bayern Munich Exec Chair Karl-Heinz Rummenigge "has called for a decentralized sale of Bundesliga TV rights," according to Nils Lehnebach of SPONSORs. Rummenigge: "If we would sell our TV rights on our own, we could generate €200 million ($219M) and therefore four-times as much as we make today." In terms of media revenue, the Bundesliga "has been unable to keep up with the Premier League" for years. Despite his call for a decentralization, Rummenigge wants to keep the "solidarity concept" and proposes to establish a pot in which big clubs contribute 50%, for example. He said, "With this model the Bundesliga could improve its position -- including the smaller clubs. If the centralized sale doesn't generate the expected revenues and growth then you should consider a new concept." Rummenigge again also criticized the position of Sky Deutschland. He said, "Sky's monopoly obviously prohibits sustainable movement in terms of price in Germany" (SPONSORs, 7/24).