Hertha BSC before a groundbreaking general meeting: financial crisis and future!

Hertha BSC before a groundbreaking general meeting: financial crisis and future!

Hertha BSC will hold a general meeting on May 25, 2025 in Hall 22B of Messe Berlin, just one week after the end of the season in the 2nd Bundesliga. The meeting begins at 11 a.m. and will be dominated by the upcoming discussions, as there are no elections on the agenda. The first members have already found their way into the event, while the hall is gradually filling up. Catering is provided by a Berlin brewery and offers burgers, bratwursts and vegetarian options. The club can look back on a disappointing season in which the goal of returning to the 1st Bundesliga could not be achieved and instead concerns about possible relegation took center stage.

The last few months have been marked by numerous unrest. Coach Cristian Fiél was dismissed, the resignation of director Andreas “Zecke” Neuendorf and the termination of the contract with managing director Thomas Herrich are also part of the turbulent events in the club. President Fabian Drescher will have to comment on personnel issues and the successor to Herrich during the meeting. Sports director Benjamin Weber is also responsible for providing information on personnel and squad decisions.

Financial challenges

Hertha BSC's financial situation is tense. The license for the 2nd Bundesliga has not yet been secured. Members and fans expect a concrete concept that will improve the situation. There is no doubt that there is a need for action: Hertha BSC had reduced its cost structure by over 70 million euros since the second half of the 2022/23 season. In the current season, the club is heading towards a positive operating result (EBITDA), not least with the support of 777 Partners. According to information from Hertha, this partnership represents a decisive factor in the recent return to financial health.

The US company 777 Partners contributed to the stabilization of the club with an equity investment of 75 million euros. An agreed tranche from this investment was paid at the beginning of April 2024. Thomas E. Herrich, the former managing director of Hertha BSC, confirmed progress in budget restructuring and the effectiveness of budget and cost controls.

Strategic orientation and club development

Under the motto “Berlin Way”, which was announced under Kay Bernstein in the 2022/23 season, Hertha BSC continues to pursue a strategy of restructuring and consolidation. In addition to financial stabilization, a change of course in sport is also being sought, with the focus on promoting one's own talents. In the current Bundesliga season, eleven homegrown players from the Hertha BSC football academy have already received playing time in the licensed team.

The club's positive development is reflected not only in its financial results, but also in a record increase in members and high merchandising sales. The club also recorded the ninth best average attendance in Germany and 26th place in Europe. Support from sponsors and partners is seen as a further pillar for the club's future. What is certain, however, is that the challenges remain great, and the general meeting on Sunday will have to set the decisive course for the next few months.