Bundesliga faces questions about its appeal as new season begins

The Bundesliga is embarking on a new season, aiming to usher in a fresh era following a significant World Cup and a new television rights agreement in the United States. However, beyond the unwavering support of its dedicated fanbase, both in Germany and abroad, a crucial question looms: Is the German league still sufficiently attractive in the international arena, particularly in the key American market?

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It would be hard to argue that the Bundesliga has not regressed in that regard. When Bayern and Dortmund played in the Champions League final in 2013, I believed the league was clearly demonstrating its superiority and its intention to remain at the very top of European club football. I couldn't have imagined that it might have been just a short-lived peak. Honestly, the Bundesliga has probably reached the peak of its popularity. From now on, it can only decline.

Some observers believe the league has indeed declined in international standing. Randall, a Kölner fan from the US who has followed the Bundesliga for 16 years, expressed his view to DW: "It would be hard to argue that the Bundesliga has not regressed in that regard. When Bayern and Dortmund played in the Champions League final in 2013, I believed the league was clearly demonstrating its superiority and its intention to remain at the very top of European club football. I couldn't have imagined that it might have been just a short-lived peak." He added, "Honestly, the Bundesliga has probably reached the peak of its popularity. From now on, it can only decline."

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I would be careful with claims that the golden age of the Bundesliga is over. The league still has full stadiums, great clubs, top players and coaches, as well as a recognizable football culture.

However, Dominik Schrayer, a professor of sports economics, offers a more cautious perspective. "I would be careful with claims that the golden age of the Bundesliga is over," Schrayer told DW. "The league still has full stadiums, great clubs, top players and coaches, as well as a recognizable football culture." Schrayer acknowledges that while the league has an excellent reputation for developing players and coaches, its inability to retain stars like Erling Haaland or Florian Wirtz hinders its global expansion. He noted, "Bayern's long-term dominance has reduced uncertainty at the top of the table, while the Premier League has achieved a significant financial and distribution advantage. The problem, therefore, is not just a lack of talent or interesting stories, but the Bundesliga's limited success in converting these advantages into sustained international viewership."

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Bayern's long-term dominance has reduced uncertainty at the top of the table, while the Premier League has achieved a significant financial and distribution advantage. The problem, therefore, is not just a lack of talent or interesting stories, but the Bundesliga's limited success in converting these advantages into sustained international viewership.

Robin Austermann, the Bundesliga's executive vice president for the US market, stated that the number of Bundesliga fans in America has grown by "43 percent in the last five years" following the new US TV rights deal. While this growth is positive, some fans find the league less compelling overall. Dave, a Schalke fan from the US since 1974, prefers the Premier League, where "at least three or four teams can win the title." He feels the "overall sporting quality of the competition has declined" and that the Bundesliga "has lost some of its shine and prestige." Randall agrees, noting that while there's some drama in the race for Champions League or Europa League spots, it doesn't generate significant excitement.

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43 percent in the last five years