Borussia Dortmund posted a net loss of €21.7 million for the 2025/26 financial year after generating a surplus of €6.5 million in the previous period. Total revenue at the Bundesliga club dropped by 12.5 per cent, falling from €526 million to €460.5 million.
Decline in TV Money and European Exits
The steepest financial decline came in media rights, with television money falling sharply from €103.4 million to €72.1 million. Early exits from cup competitions drove the deficit. The team missed its target of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, going out instead in the play-offs against Atalanta Bergamo. The DFB Cup campaign also ended below budgeted figures following an early defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16.
Accounting rules for the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025 added to the financial pressure. Income from the tournament was split across two financial years. The lion’s share of €33.9 million was allocated to the 2024/25 accounts, leaving just €11.2 million to be recorded for the 2025/26 period.
Borussia Dortmund aims to reduce transfer income reliance
Positive figures on the transfer market provided some relief, with the net transfer result rising by €21.4 million to reach €59.3 million. Those proceeds, however, fell short of offsetting lower income from match operations. Club leadership now intends to pivot away from this reliance.
In the foreword to the accounts, BVB leadership stated that the annual net loss “is not satisfactory for us.” The annual report outlines a clear directive: “Our goal is to make Borussia Dortmund less dependent on transfer income and to strengthen the company’s economic performance over the long term.”
Solid Financial Footing Despite Deficit
Club officials maintain that the organization remains on a stable foundation. BVB spokesman Carsten Cramer emphasized the club’s underlying resilience in the financial report.
“What is important, however, is this: Borussia Dortmund remain in rude health,” Cramer said. “Our equity still stands at around €300 million, the equity ratio exceeds 50 per cent, and we have neither taken on new financial debt nor had to make use of overdraft credit lines.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dortmund Finances
Why did Borussia Dortmund record a net loss for the season?
The club posted a €21.7 million net loss primarily due to early exits from the Champions League and the DFB Cup, alongside a 12.5 per cent drop in total revenue.
How much did television money decrease?
Media rights income experienced the steepest decline, with television money dropping from €103.4 million down to €72.1 million.
What impact did the Club World Cup have on the accounts?
Income from the tournament was split across two financial years, with €33.9 million recorded in 2024/25 and only €11.2 million allocated to the 2025/26 financial year.
What is the current state of the club’s equity and debt?
BVB reported equity of around €300 million with an equity ratio exceeding 50 per cent, while taking on no new financial debt or using overdraft credit lines.
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