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A cameraman works along the field in the Bundesliga game between RB Leipzig and SC Paderborn 07 at Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Saxony, June 5, 2020. /VCG
Though the 2019-20 Bundesliga season came back and is being played behind closed doors, financial loss appears to be inevitable thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to German football magazine "Kicker," the country's top two football leagues may be looking at around losses of 150 million euros (about 168.9 million U.S. dollars) in TV money this season.
In a letter to the 36 clubs of both Bundesliga 2. Bundesliga, the German Football League (DFL) revealed that the total TV revenues this season were about 1.2 billion euros (about 1.35 billion U.S. dollars), 150 million less than the expected 1.35 billion. Moreover, some overseas media outlets have not paid their shares because of the pandemic, leading to 60 million euros (about 67.5 million U.S. dollars) of overseas losses.
At the end of April, the DFL reached a deal with the broadcasters which advanced the teams some 51 million euros (about 57.4 million U.S. dollars) for urgent use. Currently, the teams are still waiting for the last installment of 200 million euros (about 225 million U.S. dollars) from broadcasters.
Leon Goretzka (R) of FC Bayern Munchen celebrates with teammate Benjamin Pavard after scoring his team's second goal in the Bundesliga game against Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, June 13, 2020. /VCG
The DFL also suggested the teams adjust their operation strategy and revenue expectations to better prepare for possible risks next season. The coronavirus did not just suspend this season for two months, tts impact is likely to stay for another season. As a result, the DFL already lowered the expectation on TV revenue next season by 70 million euros (about 78.8 million U.S. dollars). Furthermore, the DFL is not sure whether fans will be allowed inside the stadium next season.
There's three rounds of games left in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season at the moment. Bayern Munich lead the ranking table with 73 points and they only need one win to claim the title with two games to spare.
