50+1

As the world’s game, soccer has been one of the biggest markets in the world for decades. The commercialization of the game is getting more rampant every year, with governing bodies and ownership groups looking to capitalize on its lucrative interest. Unfortunately, because of rising ticket prices and wealthy investors, the diehard fan is getting phased out from the sport. But there is an exception. The German Bundesliga has maintained an elite fan atmosphere across the league even as it has grown financially. Thanks to the 50+1 rule, the Bundesliga has been able to cater to the grass roots communities that have helped the league develop into the powerhouse that it is today.

Since 1998, the 50+1 rule has been a staple of German soccer. The law has ensured that every German club must give its members a 50% stake in the team plus one extra share. Unlike in other countries where wealthy moguls are granted total authority to govern the direction of the soccer clubs, the 50+1 rule gives German fans more agency than any other soccer league in the world. The Bundesliga annually boasts one of the largest attendance figures in Europe, averaging over 38,000 attendees per match in 2024. Although the league's attendance numbers mirror the Premier League in England, in terms of ticket prices the divide is truly stark. The average price for a 1st tier Bundesliga match is approximately 24 pounds, at least 20 pounds less than the average 1st tier match in the Premier League. This has resulted in electric stadium atmospheres from top to bottom in Germany, with the diehard fan not forced to choose between matches to attend because of excessive ticket prices.

Of course, there is still plenty of corporate investment in German soccer. Some of the biggest businesses in Germany such as Allianz, Volkswagen, Audi, and plenty more have capitalized on the cash cow that is professional soccer. However, the idea of fan agency in club decisions is mostly unheard of across Europe outside of the 50+1 rule in Germany and member-owned club “socios” in Spain where fans collectively own 100% of La Liga clubs FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Osasuna. The 50+1 rule allows club shareholders, the majority of which being diehard fans, to participate in the club's governance and the direction of the club. This allows German clubs to protect the interests of their fans more than other top-flight soccer leagues such as the Premier Lea ...

News Release: 50+1
Submitted on: February 03, 2026 10:38:08 AM
Submitted by: IndependentPress
On behalf of: www.independentpress.com