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Bundesliga jumps on private equity bandwagon

Private equity groups have seen the Covid-19 pandemic as a chance to seize new investment opportunities in football as leagues and clubs seek new sources of funding.  Private equity investment in Serie A is a case in point.

Now the Bundesliga has leapt on the bandwagon.   It is seeking €300m to set up an international online subscription service.  More than 20 private equity firms have expressed an interest.

Deutsche Fussball League (DFL), the body that runs Germany's top two divisions, came up with the plan after multiple firms approached it with emergency funding.

As well as a plan for a new internet subscription service to screen games across the Middle East, the DFL is offering a minority stake in a new digital media company offering international services.

The pandemic has strengthened rather than weakened globalising forces in football.

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