FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — CVC Capital Partners is the only remaining prospective buyer for a stake in the Bundesliga’s media rights income after competitor Blackstone ended its involvement in the process, the league says.
Blackstone’s exit comes as fans step up protests against the league’s plans to sell a share of its income from TV and other media rights. Since clubs narrowly voted to approve the deal in December, fans have disrupted numerous games by throwing objects such as tennis balls onto the field.
“We confirm that Blackstone is no longer under consideration as a strategic marketing partner for the Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2,” the league said in an e-mailed statement. “The process will continue according to the planned schedule with CVC.”
The league added that talks with Blackstone had been largely “positive” but that “critical points” had emerged, including regarding governance and economic aspects of the process.
The league is offering a share of up to 8% of income over 20 years from sources such as TV rights and league sponsorship. It has previously said it hopes to have a deal concluded by the end of March, before a planned auction of TV rights for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
The league argues that an up-front payment from an investor would help to modernize its marketing and clubs’ infrastructure. CVC is also an investor in the Spanish and French leagues.
Fan groups are concerned that the planned deal would reduce supporters’ influence and the accountability of senior executives in a league where most clubs are majority-controlled by their members.
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