Who Owns Borussia Dortmund?

• Parent Company: Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
• Ownership Type: Wholly owned
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Stock Ticker: Frankfurt Stock Exchange: BVB

• Founded: 1909
• Founders: Franz Jacobi

• Founded: 1909
• Headquarters: Dortmund, Germany
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Stock: Frankfurt Stock Exchange: BVB
• Revenue: approximately €469 million (FY2024)
• Employees: Approximately 1,400

Visit Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA website

• Headquarters: Dortmund, Germany
• Manufacturing / Operations: Germany, Global operations

Borussia Dortmund has established itself as a leader in environmental sustainability among German football clubs, implementing comprehensive initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote ethical business practices. The club's commitment to sustainability extends across stadium operations, energy management, and community engagement, positioning BVB as a pioneer in sports industry environmental responsibility.

Climate Action and Carbon Reduction: Borussia Dortmund became the first Bundesliga club to commit to the internationally recognized Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in 2024, setting ambitious CO₂ emission reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. The club aims to have these targets validated by SBTi by the end of 2025, demonstrating its commitment to scientifically grounded climate action.

Renewable Energy and Infrastructure: The club has implemented significant renewable energy projects, including the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the BVB Fanwelt and the BVB Evonik Football Academy, with battery storage solutions. These initiatives are complemented by heat pump installations at the academy and continuous LED lighting upgrades throughout Signal Iduna Park stadium.

Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization: Borussia Dortmund's decarbonization strategy focuses on electrification of processes, conversion from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and increasing renewable energy share. Strategic measures include connecting properties to district heating networks, implementing energy efficiency measures, and developing comprehensive mobility concepts to reduce transportation emissions.

Carbon Footprint Management: The club actively monitors its emissions across three scopes, with over 90% coming from Scope 3 activities including fan travel, purchased goods and services, and business trips. This understanding drives collaborative efforts with partners, fans, and service providers to develop sustainable solutions and minimize environmental impact.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Beyond environmental initiatives, Borussia Dortmund maintains strong community engagement programs, supporting local development projects and promoting social inclusion through sports. The club's ethical business practices emphasize transparency, fair play, and responsible corporate governance in all operations.

Supply Chain Sustainability: The club is developing an emission reduction plan for its supply chain, working with suppliers and partners to promote sustainable practices throughout its value chain. This includes analyzing Scope 3 emission categories for influenceability and potential reduction opportunities.

Borussia Dortmund has achieved remarkable success throughout its history, accumulating numerous domestic and international honors that establish the club among Europe's elite football institutions. The club's trophy cabinet reflects both historical dominance and continued relevance in modern football, with recent achievements demonstrating sustained competitive excellence at the highest levels.

European Success: Borussia Dortmund's most prestigious achievement came in 1997 when they won the UEFA Champions League, establishing themselves as European champions. The club also secured the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1966 and the Intercontinental Cup in 1997, completing a unique treble of major international trophies. Recent European success includes reaching the Champions League final again in 2024, demonstrating the club's continued ability to compete at Europe's highest level.

Domestic Dominance: The club has won the Bundesliga championship eight times, with notable periods of dominance including back-to-back titles under Jürgen Klopp in 2011 and 2012. Borussia Dortmund has also secured the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) five times, most recently in 2021, establishing a strong domestic cup pedigree that complements their league successes.

Recent Achievements: The 2023-2024 season highlighted Borussia Dortmund's continued competitiveness, with the club reaching the Champions League final and finishing strongly in domestic competition. This period also saw the club achieve record financial results, with €639 million turnover including transfer revenues, demonstrating commercial success alongside sporting achievement.

Individual Honors: Borussia Dortmund players and staff have received numerous individual awards, including multiple Bundesliga Player of the Year honors, Golden Boot winners, and coaching awards. The club's youth development system has been recognized for producing world-class talent, with academy graduates achieving success at both domestic and international levels.

Financial Recognition: The club's financial management has been praised industry-wide, with consistent profitability except during the coronavirus pandemic years. Borussia Dortmund's ability to maintain financial stability while competing for major trophies has been recognized as a model of sustainable football club management.

Community and Social Awards: Beyond football achievements, Borussia Dortmund has received recognition for community engagement, social responsibility initiatives, and contributions to German football development. The club's role in promoting youth football and supporting local communities has earned numerous civic and industry honors.

Borussia Dortmund's history includes several significant challenges and controversies that have tested the club's resilience and shaped its modern identity. From near-bankruptcy experiences to security threats and competitive disappointments, these events have influenced the club's development and strengthened its commitment to stability and responsible management.

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

Terrorist Attack Incident: In April 2017, Borussia Dortmund's team bus was targeted in a terrorist attack near the Westfalenstadion before a Champions League match against Monaco. The explosion injured defender Marc Bartra and highlighted security vulnerabilities in modern football. The attack led to immediate changes in security protocols across German football and increased awareness of terrorism threats at sporting events.

Competitive Disappointments: The club has experienced several high-profile competitive setbacks, most notably the collapse of the Bundesliga title lead on the final day of the 2022-2023 season, which handed the championship to Bayern Munich. The 2024 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid, despite strong performances, continued the club's pattern of being "perennial nearly men" in major competitions.

Leadership Transitions: The departure of long-serving CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke in 2025 marked the end of an era, raising questions about continuity and future direction. The appointment of new leadership and restructuring of management roles created uncertainty during a critical period for the club's competitive positioning.

Player Development and Sales Controversy: The club's success in developing and then selling world-class talent, while financially beneficial, has drawn criticism from fans who question the club's ambition to retain star players. The sale of Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, followed by his Champions League success with the Spanish club, exemplified this ongoing tension between financial pragmatism and competitive aspirations.

Market Position Challenges: Borussia Dortmund has faced challenges maintaining its position as Germany's second football power, with Bayer Leverkusen's emergence as Champions League winners in 2024 threatening the club's traditional status. This competitive pressure has led to strategic reassessment and increased investment in sporting infrastructure.