German Football League Attracting Private Equity Interest

The German Football League (DFL) is "attracting fresh private equity interest" in its overseas media rights, as "cash-hungry European leagues explore ways to unlock value" from the world’s most popular sport. Advent International and BC Partners are among suitors that have approached the DFL about potentially acquiring a minority stake in Bundesliga International GmbH, which manages the rights for the Bundesliga and 2nd Bundesliga, sources said. DFL officials plan to discuss at a Dec. 7 meeting whether to pursue a sale process, sources said. Other potential bidders "could include Bain Capital, CVC Capital Partners, General Atlantic and KKR & Co." Representatives for DFL, Advent, Bain, BC, CVC, General Atlantic and KKR declined to comment (BLOOMBERG, 11/24).