Borussia Dortmund – executive interviews

In our series of interviews, Thomas Treβ, Borussia Dortmund’s CFO, provides insights into the position of the company and the team in the football landscape, the growth drivers of its diverse revenue streams, the playing squad and its development and the company’s ESG initiatives. 

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: Corporate and general

In the first interview, we focus on the position of the company and the team in the football landscape. We discuss the attractive growth dynamics of football, why Borussia Dortmund should be thought of in a different way versus the perception that football clubs are not well run from a financial perspective, Borussia Dortmund’s positioning among the European football elite clubs and the company’s attitude to debt.

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: TV marketing deal

In the second interview, we discuss Borussia Dortmund’s TV marketing revenue. TV marketing is the company’s most important revenue stream, at c 40% of the group total, and over the long term has provided strong growth, a CAGR of c 15% in FY05–24. We focus on how the Bundesliga’s broadcasting rights compare with the other major European leagues, the opportunities for developing Bundesliga rights and the visibility and predictability of the broadcasting rights for all the competitions in which Borussia Dortmund participates.

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: Advertising

In the third interview, Borussia Dortmund’s advertising revenue is the focus. Advertising, or sponsorship income, is the second most important revenue stream for the company, at 30% of the total in FY24. Thomas talks about the structure of the relationships with the various types of sponsors, how the company develops relationships with the sponsors and the growth drivers of sponsorship income.

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: Match operations

In the fourth interview, we focus on the company’s match operations revenue, namely the income from fans attending matches. Although it is Borussia Dortmund’s smallest revenue stream, at c 10% of the group total in FY24, attendance drives other revenues such as from merchandising and catering. We discuss the club’s enigmatic stadium, the fan-friendly philosophy on ticket prices and the investment requirements for the stadium.

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: Squad development

In the fifth interview, we discuss Borussia Dortmund’s playing squad. The club has a strong reputation in identifying emerging talent and financial prudence in its investment in the squad. We focus on how the squad is developed and Borussia Dortmund is able to attract young talent, the key accounting issues with respect to the squad and the implications of the emergence of new leagues in the transfer market.

Borussia Dortmund – executive interview: ESG

In our final interview, Thomas provides an overview of Borussia Dortmund’s ESG initiatives.