Bundesliga

Just a short skip and jump across the English Channel we land in Germany, another nation other than the UK that loves its football. In fact, the German Bundesliga is one of the Leagues in the world that has the largest average stadium attendance. Plus, all its remote viewers that can enjoy top-class football that operates in a similar way as the UK football pyramid. Meaning that there is 3 professional Leagues and 1 semi-professional one. Starting from the top we have the Bundesliga, followed with its 2 tier Bundesliga. That finishing off with the lowest level, simply known as Liga. And the semi-professional, which is the final step, the Regionalliga. However, in this article, we are only going to cover the tip of the spear, the Bundesliga, or as you might see displayed on broadcasts, Fußball-Bundesliga. So, in the mood to learn the German Bundesliga?

Quick history

Before the German Bundesliga got its foothold in professional European football, it all vent down on an amateur level. That spread across a vast amount of subdivisions. However, in 1949 the early roots of the German Bundesliga sprouted with semi-professional status. But, although the 1950s the nation craved a professional League. Especial as the nation saw their top football players getting Poached and migrated to countries that offered them a fulltime occupation as a footballer. Which put the nation in a disadvantage when paired against other nations on an international level. And it was not until 1962 the official decision where made. Where the first season of the German Bundesliga from now non-existing, Deutscher Fußball-Bund gave in season 1963/64. Which have since change organising body, and are now known as the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL).

Bundesliga table

How many teams include in the German Bundesliga?

The German Bundesliga has not always looked the same in the number of teams competing. And some of the changes have to do with the border splitting the nation. And from 1963 to 1965 to it included 16 clubs. That got changed the following season to 18. That persisted to the start of the 1990s. Which got boosted up to 20 teams after the iron curtain fell for season 1991/92. However, it only lasted for one year and went back to house 18 teams in 1992/93. By which is the number of clubs we see today. Which seems to be the magic number for the League. Although, in 2005 an 8-point argument saw circulation by Eintracht Frankfurt chairman, Heribert Bruchhagen to increase the League to 20 clubs. That got denied due to increased cost. But also by a 73% “NO” vote from fans.

A season of German Bundesliga

As the German Bundesliga has a direct link to the rest of the football in Europe, a season relies on the same foundation as other Leagues. Where the clubs play each other 2 times, once at home and once on the away pitch. Effectively meaning a round-robin tournament competition. And the same comparison can get done when it comes to promotion and relegation. Where 2 teams that are dragging in the bottom will trade places with the 2 top teams from 2nd level Bundesliga. Plus, one more spot awards after the 3rd club from the bottom plays a 2-leg tie against the equivalent team from the 2nd Bundesliga. All this elapse during a regular season stretching from August to the coming May.

Who owns the League?

Before 1998 all clubs in the German Bundesliga was only allowed to run by the “member association” or Clubs in a no-profit setup. However, all this changed in October of the same year, allowing private or limited companies to inject cash into the organisation. Although, there is still some associated red tape connected to the leagues such as the “50+1” rule or more precise, a clause. Meaning that, for a club to receive a compete-licence, the “members” or clubs have to oversee 50% control of the shares. With 1 share allocated to the investors. Although one exception may apply. Which says that if a separate entity has funded a club for more than 20 years, they may consume the amount to control the stakes. In a sense, it’s equal to how the Premier League in the UK structures, if we remove the 50+1 clause.bundesliga

German Bundesliga competition champions

In total, the German Bundesliga has had close to 60 different clubs competing for the Meisterschale or Champions shield. And amongst all these clubs, the main “Meister” is Bayern Munich with 28 times. (1968/69, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1973/74, 1979/80, 1980/81, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1993/94, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2007/08, 2009/10, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19). Putting themselves in a League of their own. Engraving its name on the trophy 5 times and coming in on a shared 2nd place is Borussia Dortmund (1994/95, 1995/96, 2001/02, 2010/11, 2011/12) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (1969/70, 1970/71, 1974/75, 1975/76, 1976/77).

Extraordinary moments in German Bundesliga

When looking at the historical and current record holders in the German Bundesliga, We cannot pass by Bayern Munich without a second mention. And we might sound repetitive, however, to bring home the gold 28 times is a true out of this world achievement in such competitive event. But to score goals is what the game is all about, but to connect to the net 82 metres away is something completely different. Which Moritz Stoppelkamp manage to do in season 2014/15. On the topic, goals. One season football fans can’t forget it is the 1983/84 when on average, every game saw 3,58 goals. That’s an amazing 1,097 in total.

Top goal scorers and record keepers in German Bundesliga

Reaching a top ten ranking in any sports occasion is astonishing. But to reach the top 3 and enter the history books are massive. Currently holding the gold position is Gerd Müller with 365 goals. Holding on to the second spot is Klaus Fischer, that has brought the hammer down 268 times. Which accompanies by Robert Lewandowski’s third place and 222 goals.

Live viewership and the home audience

It’s reported that the League is home of the largest crowds in the world showing up to support their clubs. However, one important aspect needs to get considered. It’s all based on a per-game average. To explain, let’s take the Premier League in the UK as an example. Where the top team’s 3 stadiums have room for 192,000 fans. While in the German Bundesliga the top 3 arenas house 217,000 beating the Premier League by far. Plus, according to reports, the League in Germany manages to push the ticket prices down, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Also, a couple of years ago, we learned that a respected sports broadcaster bought the rights to show the League on its Spanish language platform. Making the League accessible for 10’s of millions. By which will go under the gavel once more in 2020, to get the domestic screening rights.

Can you place bets on German Bundesliga?

Absolutely, is the correct answer to this question. And if you plan to become a sports bettor that focus on German football, you are in good hands. As you literally will find all possible combinations and bet types to put your stake on. Where you can utilise structures like Acca and bet builder to mention a few.