German soccer's Bundesliga has set a new record for attendance and ticket sales across its top two divisions during the 2023-24 season. The total number of tickets sold by the 36 clubs in both tiers reached an all-time high of 20,737,276.
The figure surpassed the previous season's record (19,755,465) by nearly 5%. With an average of 33,885 tickets sold per match, both leagues - the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga matches - established a new benchmark for average attendance.
The Bundesliga alone achieved total ticket sales of 11,925,726 with an average of 38,973 tickets per match. This success has allowed it to maintain its lead over other top European leagues in terms of average ticket sales per match in the same season – outperforming even the English Premier League and Italy’s Serie A matches.
Occupancy rates soar
Another notable achievement was that the average occupancy rate at Bundesliga arenas rose to a staggering 95.2%, up from last year’s level (92.6%). Out of all top-tier Bundesliga clubs, fifteen managed to achieve an occupancy rate exceeding ninety percent.
In addition to this success at tier one level; second-tier league -2. Bundesliga also saw significant growth in ticket sales compared to previous seasons. Total ticket sales reached a whopping figure of approximately eight million (8,811550), averaging around twenty-eight thousand (28,796) tickets per game – marking another historic high for this league as well.
Sponsorship deals boost revenue further
In addition to the record-breaking ticket sales and attendance, Bundesliga matches have also seen a significant boost in revenue through strategic sponsorship deals. A notable example is the recent partnership between Bayer Leverkusen, one of Bundesliga's top teams, and Indian tyre manufacturer CEAT. This two-season deal extends until June 2026 and positions CEAT as Leverkusen's premium tyre partner.
The agreement allows for extensive brand visibility for CEAT through LED perimeter boards during matches at BayArena, cam carpets on touchlines, substitution boards, press conferences, and more. Furthermore, Leverkusen's team bus will be equipped with CEAT tyres as part of the deal.
This partnership not only provides financial support to Bayer Leverkusen but also enhances brand recognition for CEAT in the sports industry. It succeeds a similar partnership with Kumho Tire that concluded last season. These sponsorship deals significantly contribute to boosting revenue while promoting mutual growth for both parties involved.
The 2023-24 season has been a record-breaking year for German soccer’s Bundesliga both in terms of attendance figures and ticket sales. With new sponsorship deals adding to their success, it is clear that the league continues to grow in popularity not only within Germany but across Europe as well.
