DFL close to billion mark
July 9, 2015
The German Football League (DFL) is aiming to break the billion-euro mark for TV rights from the 2017 season onwards, with DFL boss Christian Seifert stating it as a realistic goal in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt.
"To catch up with a nine-billion euro contract would mean we would have lost the race before it even began," said Seifert in response to claims that closing the financial gap on the Premier League would help. The DFL are also "interested in not investing too much because then the league wouldn't work anymore."
In light of England's monstrous TV deal, Germany's next move will be key for the sake of their own development. "The English contract deal has consequences for the Bundesliga. Money is flowing into the Bundesliga and it must be invested smartly. We cannot run blindly after the carrot England is dangling in front of us, but we must be aware Spain and Italy don't leave us behind again," said Seifert.
Bearing this in mind, the DFL are planning more exclusivity for pay TV, which would include a reduction in broadcasting time for free TV.
Competition not kick-off times
Bayern Munich Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge doesn't believe more kick-off times will bring added investment. "More kick-off times won't bring big money, but competition will," said Rummenigge speaking on Thursday at the unveiling of a new club sponsor. "We have to follow the English path and bring more people into the pay TV market. We have to strengthen the pressure of competition in order to raise the price."
Seifert also confirmed plans made at the beginning of the month for new kick-off times, where five league games would move from Saturday to early Sunday afternoon, as well as Monday evening. "I read something about a football-threatening revolution. That's well wide of the mark," said Seifert, who believes the new kick-off times to simply be a relief on those teams playing on Thursday night in the Europa League.
"It is the DFL's job to consider everyone's interests. Other leagues make it easier for themselves and just ignore all interests other than the monetary one," added Seifert.
jh/apc (dpa, SID)