Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
German professional football club and publicly traded sports company, one of the most popular clubs in European football.
Company Type
public
Founded
1909
Headquarters
Dortmund, Germany
Stock
Frankfurt Stock Exchange: BVB
About Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Borussia Dortmund competes in the German Bundesliga and is one of the most commercially successful football clubs in Europe. The club generates revenue from broadcasting rights, matchday operations, merchandising, sponsorship, and player transfers. Dortmund's business model emphasizes youth development and smart recruitment, identifying talented young players who can contribute to the first team and eventually be sold at a profit.
Signal Iduna Park, with a capacity of 81,365, is the largest football stadium in Germany and one of the most atmospheric venues in world football. The stadium's "Sudtribune" (South Stand), known as the "Yellow Wall," is the largest standing terrace in European football, holding approximately 25,000 supporters. The Yellow Wall has become an iconic symbol of Dortmund's passionate supporter culture.
The club's youth academy has produced numerous international players, and Dortmund has a reputation for developing young talent from around the world. Notable players who developed at Dortmund include Erling Haaland, Jadon Sancho, Christian Pulisic, Jude Bellingham, and Giovanni Reyna.
History of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Borussia Dortmund was founded on December 19, 1909, by a group of young men in the Dortmund district of Nordstadt. The club's early decades were spent competing in regional German football leagues. Dortmund won its first German championship in 1956 and added two more in 1957 and 1963.
The club's greatest European achievement came in 1997 when Borussia Dortmund won the UEFA Champions League, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final in Munich. The team, managed by Ottmar Hitzfeld and featuring players like Karl-Heinz Riedle, Lars Ricken, and Matthias Sammer, became the first German club to win the Champions League under its new format.
In the early 2000s, Dortmund faced a severe financial crisis after overspending on player transfers and stadium renovations. The club nearly went bankrupt in 2005 but was rescued through a financial restructuring that included the public listing of the company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Under manager Jurgen Klopp (2008-2015), Borussia Dortmund experienced a renaissance, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and reaching the Champions League final in 2013. Klopp's high-pressing, attacking style of football became synonymous with the club and attracted global attention.
In the 2023-24 season, Borussia Dortmund reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2013, losing to Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium. The run to the final boosted the club's revenue from TV marketing and matchday operations. The club's naming rights partnership with Signal Iduna was extended to June 2031.
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Stock Information
Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Publicly traded status provides transparency and access to capital markets
- +Largest football stadium in Germany generates significant matchday revenue
- +World-renowned youth development program produces valuable players
- +Passionate global fanbase with the iconic Yellow Wall supporter culture
- +50+1 rule ensures the member-run club retains majority voting control
Considerations
- -Unable to compete financially with the wealthiest European clubs for top talent
- -Publicly traded status subjects the club to stock market volatility and investor pressure
- -Consistent runner-up to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga limits domestic trophy success
- -Key player departures to wealthier clubs disrupt squad continuity
- -Champions League final loss in 2024 highlighted the gap to elite European clubs
Frequently Asked Questions About Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Is Borussia Dortmund publicly traded?
Yes, Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA is publicly traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BVB. Key shareholders include Evonik Industries, Bernd Geske, Signal Iduna, and Puma SE.
What is Signal Iduna Park?
Signal Iduna Park is Borussia Dortmund's home stadium in Dortmund, Germany. With a capacity of 81,365, it is the largest football stadium in Germany. The stadium's South Stand, known as the "Yellow Wall," holds approximately 25,000 standing supporters and is one of the most iconic terraces in world football.
Has Borussia Dortmund won the Champions League?
Yes, Borussia Dortmund won the UEFA Champions League in 1997, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final. The club also reached the Champions League final in 2013 (losing to Bayern Munich) and 2024 (losing to Real Madrid).
What is the 50+1 rule?
The 50+1 rule is a German football regulation that requires the registered club (the member association) to retain majority voting control over the commercial entity. This ensures that fans and members have the ultimate say in major club decisions, even though Dortmund is publicly traded.
Who are Borussia Dortmund's biggest shareholders?
Key shareholders include Evonik Industries (approximately 9.8%), Bernd Geske (approximately 9%), Signal Iduna (approximately 5%), Puma SE (approximately 5%), and Ralph Dommermuth (approximately 5%). The remaining shares are held by institutional and retail investors.
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