Rethinking Sports Financing: How Clubs Raise Capital Through Digital Securities

In professional sports, success is no longer determined solely on the pitch. Economic stability, long-term strategy, and investments in infrastructure or youth development increasingly shape a club’s future. Many clubs now face a key question: how can major projects be financed sustainably—without losing control to external investors or entering risky dependencies?

Two leading examples show how sports organizations are leveraging alternative financing models with CONDA—digitally, efficiently, and in close collaboration with their communities.

SK Rapid Vienna: Successful Subordinated Bond Issuance

In spring 2024, Austrian football club SK Rapid issued a subordinated bond through CONDA Capital Market. The result: nearly 5 million euros in investor capital raised in a short time—a strong vote of confidence in the club’s economic potential and a testament to the trust of its supporters.

The bond was structured as a public securities offering under the European ECSP Regulation. This regulatory framework allows private investors to participate in club financing from relatively small amounts—simply, digitally, and within a clear legal structure. Investors receive an attractive interest rate, while Rapid can allocate the capital to infrastructure development and strategic growth projects.

The big advantage: the club remains independent—without giving up shares or decision-making power. At the same time, it was able to rely on a loyal base of investors who had previously supported the club financially.

FC St. Pauli: Cooperative Financing via White-Label Platform

FC St. Pauli took a different route. By founding its own cooperative—FC St. Pauli Genossenschaft—and launching a custom white-label platform fcspeg.com powered by CONDA technology, the club raised a multi-million euro sum in record time.

The cooperative financing model has a clear mission: to enable fans and supporters to contribute not just emotionally but also financially—as co-owners. By purchasing cooperative shares, thousands of individuals played an active role in shaping the club’s future while benefiting from a long-term, stable investment model.

The benefits are clear: democratic financing without external investor structures. Plus, it builds a strong connection between the club and its community—well beyond traditional sponsorship models.

Notably, FC St. Pauli is the first professional football club in Germany to establish such a cooperative model.

Conclusion: Fit for the Future with Tailored Financing Strategies

Whether through a subordinated bond or a cooperative structure, both cases show how sports clubs can tap into new investor groups, efficiently raise capital, and retain full autonomy—all through carefully designed digital financing solutions.

CONDA provides the legal and technical infrastructure — either through the CONDA Capital Market investment platform or via white-label solutions. This gives clubs access to private capital and the opportunity to actively involve their community — a key advantage in an increasingly competitive environment.

For clubs with a strong brand, loyal fanbase, and a clear long-term vision, digital securities offerings present a powerful opportunity to realize sustainable projects on their own terms. And demand for such models is growing rapidly. It’s a shift that allows fans not only to cheer — but to co-create the future of their club.

Learn more about financing solutions for sports clubs HERE.