German giants Bayern Munich registered a financial turnover in excess of €1 billion for the first time in the club’s history.
On Sunday, Bayern held the club’s annual general meeting. The official annual turnover for the 2023/24 fiscal year was recorded at €1.017 billion ($1.075 billion).
The club also posted a 15% increase in total profit, rising to €62.7 million. Net profit was also up 21% to €43.1 million.”
Bayern CFO Michael Diederich said: “This year, too, we can proudly announce that we have no debts,
“This is unique in Europe and guarantees us financial independence, gives us flexibility, and is the basis for the coming years.”
Furthermore, the club announced that FC Bayern München e.V – Bayern’s membership club – now has 382,000 members.
This makes Bayern Munich the club with the most registered members in world football.
“The figures that I’m pleased to present to you today are far more than mere statistics they are the result of our hard work, our commitment, and our love for our club, and they show how solid our financial position is,” added Diederich.
❕ Bayern's turnover exceed €1 billion for the first time pic.twitter.com/llpXWZ4kJf
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 8, 2024
Bayern Munich Turnover Shows The Way For Other Clubs
A key point of difference for Bayern is its independence. The club has no outside owners and is free and independent of exterior influences.
Club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said: “One of our unique selling points is and remains that FC Bayern is neither owned by a state nor a company, so it has always been independent and is not burdened by debt,
“And we are still very, very proud of that.”
Looking to the future, Dreesen is setting the club’s sights on the global market.
He added: “Our biggest potential as a club and especially as a Bundesliga club continues to lie in international marketing – and there’s still room for improvement,
“All Bundesliga clubs must do more to be noticed outside of Germany.”
Club World Cup A Huge Opportunity For German Clubs Involved
With Bayern’s focus firmly on overseas growth, they have already toured Asia and the USA in recent years.
Next summer’s revamped FIFA Club World Cup will provide another avenue for global revenue.
“We want to go far there too—we can become the first real club world champions in the new format,” Dreesen said.
“However, I also expect FIFA to increase the pace of its marketing,” he added.
The club’s record-breaking turnover could not come at a better time. Several key players are due for contract renewal, something that will likely cost Bayern a lot of money.
Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, and Jamal Musiala are all in talks to extend their deals.
Dreesen said: “I don’t think a contract extension has ever failed because of money at FC Bayern.”
And having seen the financial numbers Bayern are posting, this certainly seems believable.