The 18 Bundesliga Clubs Earning the Most TV Money – Ranked
The Bundesliga’s TV revenue distribution for the 2025/26 season has been finalized, and it’s once again shaking up club finances across Germany. From newly promoted sides enjoying major boosts to top teams seeing slight cuts, the payout system — based on multi-year performance — continues to balance reward and risk. Here’s a detailed look at what each club is set to earn, how it compares to last season, and what it could mean for their budgets going forward.
18. Hamburg - £26.8 million
Hamburg, back in the Bundesliga after their climb from the 2. Bundesliga, is set to earn around £26.8 million in TV money for the 2025/26 season. This marks a substantial increase of roughly £12.2 million compared to last season. The league’s redistribution model strongly supports newly promoted teams, giving Hamburg vital resources to reinforce their squad and stabilize in the top flight.
17. St. Pauli - £28.1 million
St. Pauli is expected to bring in approximately £28.1 million from TV revenues. This figure reflects a small rise of around £0.2 million over last year. While modest, the extra income is crucial for a club like St. Pauli, helping maintain their competitive edge and continue to build sensibly without overextending financially.
16. Heidenheim - £31.8 million
Heidenheim looks set to receive about £31.8 million, which is slightly less — by roughly £1.1 million — than last season. This minor dip highlights how the Bundesliga’s TV distribution formula, which weighs multiple years of performance, can lead to subtle adjustments even when clubs avoid major changes in league standing.
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15. Augsburg - £34.3 million
Augsburg is projected to earn approximately £34.3 million in TV money, a noticeable decrease of around £5.6 million from the previous year. This drop underlines how critical sustained strong league results are in securing stable income under the Bundesliga’s long-term weighted payout system.
14. Bremen - £36.5 million
Werder Bremen will receive an estimated £36.5 million in TV revenues. This is a small reduction of about £0.8 million from last season, signaling relative stability in their broadcast income, tied to consistent mid-table finishes that neither drastically raise nor lower their share.
13. Köln - £36.7 million
Köln is one of this season’s standout risers, set to pull in roughly £36.7 million — an impressive increase of £14 million over last year. This boost is likely a reward for their stronger recent campaigns, with the multi-year payout system now catching up to reflect improved results on the field.
12. Wolfsburg - £43.4 million
Wolfsburg will collect around £43.4 million in TV money, which represents a drop of £8.5 million from last season. This sharp decline highlights the financial consequences of slipping league form or fewer deep cup runs, under a distribution model that weighs performance across several years.
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11. M’Gladbach - £43.6 million
Borussia Mönchengladbach expects to take in approximately £43.6 million, about £5.4 million less than last season. This reflects how their struggles to stay in the European places have gradually eroded their TV income, emphasizing the importance of consistently high finishes.
Hoffenheim - £43.9 million
Hoffenheim is slated to earn roughly £43.9 million, marking a significant reduction of £7.2 million compared to last year. Their fluctuating league performance has impacted their share, reminding mid-tier clubs how quickly TV revenue can shift under the Bundesliga’s rolling calculation method.
9. Mainz - £47.4 million
Mainz will receive an estimated £47.4 million, which is a solid rise of about £3.9 million from last season. Their improved league showing has paid off financially, giving them more resources to strengthen their squad and build on their upward momentum.
8. Stuttgart - £47.4 million
Stuttgart is set to earn around £47.4 million, a small increase of approximately £0.6 million. While modest, it reflects a slight but important upward trajectory in their financial base, helping secure funds for maintaining squad quality and depth.
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7. Union Berlin - £47.6 million
Union Berlin will pocket approximately £47.6 million, which is actually £7.7 million less than last season. Despite their remarkable European adventures, the Bundesliga’s payout model smooths out earnings over multiple years, meaning standout single seasons don’t always translate to immediate large boosts.
6. Freiburg - £53 million
Freiburg is expected to take home about £53 million in TV money, a decline of roughly £5.2 million from the previous year. Even for an established upper-half team, this drop illustrates the league’s commitment to balancing payouts and rewarding longer-term consistency.
5. Leipzig - £58.3 million
RB Leipzig’s projected TV revenue stands at around £58.3 million, down by a notable £8.8 million compared to last season. This steep drop is a clear example of how small shifts in performance can have large financial repercussions when past years’ success gets blended into the payout calculation.
4. Frankfurt - £59.5 million
Eintracht Frankfurt is on track to earn roughly £59.5 million, a slight decrease of around £2.6 million. Thanks to their regular European appearances and solid Bundesliga campaigns, their TV income remains strong, with only minor fluctuations from season to season.
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3. Leverkusen - £64.5 million
Bayer Leverkusen anticipates about £64.5 million in TV revenue, which is still £4.3 million less than last season despite their impressive recent form. This underscores how the multi-year payout formula tends to average out sudden leaps in sporting success.
2. Dortmund - £65 million
Borussia Dortmund will bring in an estimated £65 million, reflecting a dip of £5 million from last season. As consistent title contenders, they’re well positioned financially even with this adjustment, continuing to secure one of the largest TV shares in the Bundesliga.
1. Bayern - £71.3 million
At the summit, FC Bayern is set to earn around £71.3 million in TV money. This is roughly £6.6 million less than last season, but Bayern still easily tops the Bundesliga revenue table. Their sustained dominance ensures they remain financially unmatched, even with minor year-to-year variations.
