German football body Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) has apparently appointed Deutsche Bank to lead the possible sale of a package of media rights.
This is reported by Bloomberg with reference to people familiar with the matter. Deutsche Bank would work alongside DFL’s long-standing adviser Nomura Holdings, according to Bloomberg.
The possible move is part of a strategic review by DFL whether the country’s top two Bundesliga divisions can benefit from the injection of external capital and expertise. Alternative funding options include loans and other strategic investment ideas.
One option being discussed is the sale of a stake in a new subsidiary housing its domestic and international broadcasting rights, according to Bloomberg. DFL is considering selling as much as 20% of the unit, which could be valued at about €18 billion, the people said.
Around 10 private equity firms are expected to present their strategies for driving the reach of German football in presentations to DFL as early as September 2022, ahead of possible preliminary offers later in the year, according to the report. Advent International, Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners, EQT and KKR & Co. are believed to be among the companies considering investing.