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Decline in Profits Despite High Revenue for BVB

Football club Borussia Dortmund generates €526 million in revenue, yet profit decreases to €6.5 million as a result of diminished transfer income.

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BVB Experiences Decrease in Profits Regardless of High Revenue Figures
BVB Experiences Decrease in Profits Regardless of High Revenue Figures

Decline in Profits Despite High Revenue for BVB

Borussia Dortmund's Financial Year 2024/2025: A Mixed Bag of Results

Borussia Dortmund, the German football club, has reported a significant decrease in profit for the 2024/2025 financial year, despite an increase in revenue. This decline was primarily due to a substantial decrease in transfer profits, high operating costs, and a negative free cash flow.

Decline in Transfer Profits

The club experienced a substantial reduction in gross transfer proceeds, contributing significantly to the decrease in net income. Historically, Borussia Dortmund has relied heavily on player sales for profit, and the decrease in transfer income highlights the risks associated with this volatile revenue stream and the need for the club to diversify its sources.

High Operating Costs

The club's operating costs remained high, with total operating expenses amounting to €535.6 million. This high level of expenditure, combined with volatile transfer margins, strained financial performance.

Negative Free Cash Flow

Borussia Dortmund reported a negative free cash flow of €4.4 million, which indicates liquidity challenges partly due to significant transfer outflows. This negative cash flow position affects the club's ability to invest in its squad and maintain financial stability.

Dependence on Transfer Income

The decrease in transfer income underscores the risks associated with the club's historical reliance on transfer fees. This highlights the importance of diversifying revenue sources to ensure financial stability.

Despite these challenges, Borussia Dortmund has seen a slight increase in revenue, primarily due to growth in TV marketing, advertising, and match operations. However, this growth was not sufficient to offset the decline in net income.

Financial Highlights

  • The club's profit decreased significantly compared to the previous year, amounting to 6.5 million euros.
  • Depreciation increased slightly by 1.0 percent to 104.3 million euros in the 2025/26 financial year.
  • The sale of Jamie Gittens to FC Chelsea for 65 million euros occurred in the current financial year (25/26). However, the sale of Jude Bellingham did not result in a high transfer profit in the 2024/2025 financial year.
  • Borussia Dortmund's turnover in the 2024/2025 financial year was a record 526.0 million euros. The largest portion of this turnover came from TV marketing (227 million euros).
  • The club's personnel expenses decreased by 0.2 percent to 268.5 million euros in the 2025/26 financial year.
  • The ongoing shortage in central defense remains a problem for Borussia Dortmund, despite having available funds to address it.
  • The current transfer period has been disappointing for Borussia Dortmund, with many important gaps in the squad not being addressed.
  • The operating result before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) decreased from 150.3 to 115.9 million euros.

Other Developments

  • Borussia Dortmund's stock price is currently at 3.10 euros. The club plans to pay out 0.06 euros per share to shareholders, subject to confirmation at the ordinary general meeting on September 25.
  • State-owned and factory clubs in Germany and the rest of Europe with seemingly endless financial resources are making it difficult for Dortmund.
  • There is a risk of another tough battle for Champions League qualification for Borussia Dortmund. The performance of internationally sought-after talents in the Dortmund squad has been less impressive compared to coaches like Klopp, Tuchel, or Favre.

In conclusion, Borussia Dortmund's financial performance in the 2024/2025 financial year was marked by a significant decrease in profit, despite an increase in revenue. The club faces challenges in diversifying its revenue sources, addressing gaps in the squad, and maintaining financial stability. However, the club continues to strive for success on and off the pitch.

  • Borussia Dortmund's reliance on transfer income, as evident by the substantial reduction in gross transfer proceeds, underscores the need for the club to diversify its revenue sources to ensure financial stability.
  • The high operating costs, particularly personnel expenses, coupled with volatile transfer margins, contributed to the club's strained financial performance in the 2024/2025 financial year.
  • Despite the negative free cash flow, Borussia Dortmund's turnover reached a record 526.0 million euros, with TV marketing being the largest portion of the turnover, highlighting the potential in this business area.

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