The numbers are in and the result is a draw. Well, nearly. Not everybody will be swayed by the evidence. The Premier League’s PR department will be quick to insist that the biggest, most important figure of all still points to a very substantial revenue gap between the Premier League and Bundesliga; a gap of £1billion a year. But here’s the thing. Some things are more important than money. German supports, like the ones in Borussia Dortmund, feel part of their clubs The atmosphere in Bundesliga stadiums isn’t just more exciting because the tickets are cheap, beer is freely available and fans can stand. It’s because supporters feel that it is still their club they’re cheering on.
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Premier League makes £1billion more than Bundesliga in revenue
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German teams are well supported because fans feel part of the club
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Growing organically is a long process but it’s also a rewarding one
Commercial pressures notwithstanding, the @placeholder have been careful to protect the deep emotional ties and sense of identity that are unique to football.