Who Owns Borussia Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund became the first Bundesliga club to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2024, setting CO2 emission reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. The club aims to have these targets validated by SBTi, providing independent verification of its climate commitments.

The club has installed photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the BVB Fanwelt and the BVB Evonik Football Academy, with battery storage solutions. Heat pump installations at the academy and continuous LED lighting upgrades throughout Signal Iduna Park contribute to energy efficiency. The club's decarbonization strategy focuses on electrification of processes, conversion from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and connecting properties to district heating networks.

Borussia Dortmund monitors emissions across three scopes, with over 90% coming from Scope 3 activities including fan travel, purchased goods and services, and business trips. The club is developing an emission reduction plan for its supply chain, working with suppliers and partners to promote sustainable practices.

The club's community engagement programs support local development projects in Dortmund and the Ruhr region. Borussia Dortmund promotes social inclusion through sports and maintains initiatives focused on youth football, education, and anti-discrimination. The club's foundation, the BVB Stiftung (Leuchtende Augen e.V.), coordinates charitable activities.

No specific carbon reduction targets or timelines have been publicly disclosed beyond the SBTi commitment. The club has not reported achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero status.

Near-Bankruptcy (2005): Borussia Dortmund faced imminent insolvency in 2005 due to financial mismanagement and the collapse of the Molsiris real estate fund, which owned 94% of the Westfalenstadion. The club was saved only after 94.4% of creditors approved a bailout plan that deferred stadium rent payments and provided access to EUR 43 million in cash deposits. This crisis fundamentally reshaped the club's financial management approach and led to the appointment of Hans-Joachim Watzke as chief executive.

Team Bus Terrorist Attack (April 2017): Borussia Dortmund's team bus was targeted in a terrorist attack near the Westfalenstadion before a Champions League quarter-final match against Monaco. Three explosive devices were detonated as the bus departed the team hotel. Defender Marc Bartra was injured by shrapnel. The attacker, Sergej Wenergold, was later convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The attack led to increased security protocols across German football.

Bundesliga Title Collapse (2022/2023): Borussia Dortmund entered the final match day of the 2022/2023 season two points clear of Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table. A win against Mainz 05 would have secured the club's first Bundesliga title since 2012. The club drew 2-2 after falling behind 2-0, while Bayern Munich won their final match, snatching the championship on goal difference. The match is considered one of the most painful moments in the club's history.

Champions League Final Loss (2024): Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final in 2024 under coach Edin Terzic but lost 2-0 to Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium. Despite a strong defensive performance for much of the match, second-half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior secured the title for Real Madrid. The loss continued the club's pattern of falling short in major finals.

Coaching Instability: The 2024/2025 season saw Nuri Sahin appointed as head coach in summer 2024, only to be replaced by Niko Kovac in January 2025 after the team dropped to 11th place in the Bundesliga. This coaching change continued a pattern of frequent managerial turnover that has drawn criticism from supporters and media.

Player Sales and Competitive Ambition: The club's model of developing and selling world-class talent has drawn criticism from fans. The sale of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid in 2023, followed by Bellingham's immediate success and Champions League triumph with Real Madrid, exemplified the tension between financial pragmatism and competitive aspirations. Supporters have questioned whether the club can win major trophies while consistently selling its best players.

Leadership Transition (2025): The departure of long-serving CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke in 2025 marked the end of an era. Watzke oversaw the club's transformation from near-bankruptcy to record revenues over 21 years. His departure raised questions about continuity and future strategic direction during a critical period for the club's competitive positioning.