Profits fall on lower transfer revenues
SDax constituent Borussia Dortmund recorded a sharp fall in profits in the 2024/25 fiscal year (June 30). According to preliminary figures, consolidated net income fell from 44.3 million euros in the previous year to just 6.5 million euros, the club announced on 15 August at its eagerly awaited annual press conference. This represents a drop of 85%. The previous year's result was the second-best in the club's history.
The reason for the falloff in profits was significantly lower income from player transfers, BVB explained. Income from transfer deals fell from 97.9 million euros in the previous year to 37.8 million euros. Operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) fell from 150.3 million euros to 115.9 million euros.
However, there was also some good news: the Champions League participant saw a significant increase in revenue thanks to higher income from TV fees and advertising. Revenues climbed by 3.3% to 526 million euros. Borussia Dortmund was thus able to once again surpass the previous record set in the previous year.
Managing director Watzke steps down
Transfer revenues are subject to big fluctuations at football clubs. After bringing in sizeable revenue last year from the sale of star midfielder Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, the most recent transfer window was „not so extraordinary this time,“ BVB boss Hans-Joachim Watzke said, despite the sales of striker Niklas Füllkrug to West Ham United, and Donyell Malen to Aston Villa.
He presented the financial statements for the fiscal year alongside Carsten Cramer and Thomas Treß. Cramer has been managing director at BVB since spring 2018 and is responsible for sales and marketing, internationalisation, and digitalisation. Treß has been managing director for finance, organisation, and legal & investor relations since January 1, 2006. Lars Ricken has been managing director of sports since May 2024.
Watzke is stepping down as CEO after 20 years, and is running to be club President. „This is my 21st and last balance sheet press conference. Back then, we had 75 million euros in revenue and 54 million euros in losses,“ he explained with some pride.
Turbulent season
In sporting terms, BVB can look back on a turbulent season. After a mixed first half of the season and a change of coach, newly appointed Niko Kovac managed to lead the team from 11th to 4th place in the Bundesliga. This qualifies them once again for the extremely lucrative Champions League. Watzke was understandably pleased: „In the end, things turned out very well in the Bundesliga. Internationally, it was decent, with the quarter-finals in the Champions League and the Club World Cup. We deserve a good grade for that,“ said the departing managing director.
Despite the decline in profits, shareholders are to receive a dividend again this year. The management proposed a distribution of 6 cents per share to the annual general meeting. The company plans to present its full annual report on September 26.
Ahead of the season, which kicks off this coming weekend, many experts consider Borussia Dortmund to be the main challenger to defending champions Bayern Munich.
