Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: FC Bayern
As FC Bayern Munich marks today its 125th anniversary, the club is celebrating not only its rich history but also its record-breaking membership growth. During the official anniversary event at Paulaner Nockherberg, President Herbert Hainer announced that the club had surpassed 400,000 members, making Bayern the largest sports club in the world by membership.
This milestone underscores the club’s ability to maintain a deep connection with its global fanbase while expanding its influence beyond football. Bayern’s membership growth has been exponential in recent decades. In 1979, the club had just 6,800 members. It crossed 100,000 in 2004, reached 200,000 in 2013, and hit 300,000 in 2023. Less than two years later, Bayern has now added another 100,000 members, driven by a combination of on-pitch success, global expansion, and a membership model that offers real value to supporters. Commercial FC Bayern 125th Anniversary
Photo Credit: FC Bayern
The club operates under a unique ownership structure, where 75% of the club remains in the hands of its members, reinforcing its status as a fan-driven institution. The remaining 25% is held by strategic corporate partners, with Audi, Adidas, and Allianz each owning an 8.33% stake. This structure allows Bayern to retain full control over sporting and strategic decisions while benefiting from long-term commercial partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Commercial Impact: Anniversary Merchandise and Record Demand Commercial FC Bayern 125th Anniversary
The club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations have also translated into commercial success. Bayern, in collaboration with long-time partner adidas, released a limited-edition anniversary jersey and collection under the theme Creating Originals Since 1900. The jersey, a tribute to Bayern’s history and identity, features a sophisticated red and gold design with the adidas Originals Trefoil logo, echoing past successes and traditions.
The demand for the collection was unprecedented. Following its announcement, Bayern’s online store experienced several million requests within minutes, leading to technical issues due to overwhelming traffic. Despite the high demand, the collection remains available in official FC Bayern stores and online.
Additionally, a special promotion from February 20-23 offered fans the chance to win a custom Audi A1 inspired by the jersey’s design, further integrating commercial activations into the celebration.
Photo Credit: FC Bayern
Beyond the commercial aspects, Bayern is using its Day of Honour and Members Tribute Day to recognize fans who have shown decades of loyalty. During the home match against VfL Bochum on March 8, the club will celebrate its 400,000th member on the pitch while also honoring 1,111 members who have been part of the club for 35 years, 65 members for 50 years of membership, 77 members for 60 years and 3 members for an incredible 70 years of support.
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