DFL agrees on new media-rights distribution model

The Board of the German football league, buy Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has unanimously agreed on a new model for the distribution of media income over the next few years. 

The resolution will come into effect from the 2017/18 to 2020/21 seasons and includes four pillars to distribute proceeds and encourage competition, “sustainability in sports” and the “development of young talent”.

Referred to as “sustainability in sports”, one pillar implements a 20-year view to determine a club’s long-term contribution to the development of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, while the “young talent” pillar rewards the deployment of U23 players for the first time. In addition to this, the “competition” pillar specifically seeks to encourage the attractiveness of the different table regions. 

25 percent of the international income will be distributed evenly across the 18 Bundesliga I clubs, and a further 50 percent will be distributed on the basis of a five-year ranking of international performance. This amount will be paid out proportionately to the points awarded on the basis of this ranking. 

However, there are differences in the calculation methods compared with the UEFA’s five-year ranking system: in the interests of a more performance-oriented assessment, no bonus points are awarded if the group phase in international competitions is reached.

The remaining 25 percent is based on the number of Champions League and Europa League matches played. Starting with the 2017/18 season, Bundesliga 2 will initially receive an annual share of five million euros of the international income before the Bundesliga clubs gain anything. One million euros will be added to this in each of the following seasons. 

“This unanimous decision provides a strong sign of solidarity in German professional football. In the light of the continued positive performance of Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, a further aim was to encourage sustainability in sports and the development of young talents as well as to strengthen competition in the various table regions,” said DFL President Dr. Reinhard Rauball: “Thanks to the record amount of income from the national media rights, for which new tenders had been received in the summer, all clubs can expect to receive a considerable increase in income. In addition to this, the new distribution model takes account of the interests of media partners as well as spectators in the stadiums and the viewers at home by ensuring attractive competition.”

{jcomments on}