Ben McFadyean, expert on the German football industry, discusses the CVC/Bundesliga deal, Euro 2024, Borussia Dortmund's sports business model, and Nike's recent deal with the German Federation. The podcast covers sustainability, fan influence, revenue growth, environmental initiatives, global partnerships, player development strategies, and branding in the German football industry.
German fans prioritize 50+1 rule for majority ownership in clubs to uphold community involvement.
Borussia Dortmund's financial growth stems from conservative club management and fan-driven opposition to external investments.
Dortmund balances tradition with global marketing, focusing on fan engagement and community involvement for sustained success.
Deep dives
Impact of the CVC Deal on German Football Fans
The proposed CVC deal, aimed at selling a percentage of media rights in the Bundesliga, raised concerns among German fans who prioritize the 50 plus one rule. This rule ensures fans, as club members, maintain majority ownership in football clubs, allowing them to influence decisions and maintain a strong connection with their clubs. German fans value this ownership structure as it reflects community involvement, historical context, and a sense of identity tied to their football clubs.
German Football's Resilience to Outside Investment
German football, notably Borussia Dortmund, has shown financial growth and sustainability by running clubs conservatively and not welcoming significant external investments that could jeopardize fan influence and club traditions. Fans supported by organized protests and alliance groups have opposed deals that may compromise their control over clubs, indicating a strong commitment to preserving the unique football culture and community-focused model in Germany.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Football Branding
Clubs like Borussia Dortmund balance tradition and innovation by preserving a working-class identity while engaging in global marketing initiatives to enhance revenues and brand reach. Dortmund's success lies in maximising the matchday experience, leveraging global sponsorships, and fostering fan engagement through unique initiatives like the Yellow Wall. The club's strategy focuses on maintaining authenticity, community involvement, and a distinct football identity amidst the evolving landscape of European football investments.
German Football Industry: Balancing Modernization and Tradition
The podcast delves into the essence of German football, highlighting the delicate balance between modernization and tradition. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the authenticity and identity of German football while leveraging global partnerships and corporations. The discussion focuses on the significance of regional identities, local businesses, and community support in sustaining the German football model and ensuring a viable long-term future.
Focus on Brand Values and Local Identity in Borussia Dortmund
The conversation shifts to Borussia Dortmund and its strategic approach to brand values and local identity. It underscores the club's emphasis on aligning with core values, driving revenues, and creating a unique fan experience. By staying true to their regional roots and fostering a strong sense of community, Borussia Dortmund sets an example of how authenticity and team effort can attract a dedicated fan base and maintain long-term success.
This week we deep dive into the German Football Industry and for that, we welcome today’s guest, Ben McFadyean, who is an expert on the space.
Ben and I discuss the CVC/Bundesliga deal, Euro 2024 and given that Ben is a fan of Borussia Dortmund, we analyze the club’s sports business model. Of course, we could not leave the recent deal Nike signed with the German Federation to develop the National kit untouched...
Yup, this one covers a lot of ground so make sure you stick around!
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