Following disagreements between the DFB (German Football Association) and the new league association FBL regarding the Women’s Bundesliga, both parties have reached an agreement. The DFB announced on Sunday that they have settled on a foundational contract for the spin-off of the Bundesliga.
The responsibility for running and marketing Germany’s top women’s division will transfer from the DFB to the FBL starting July 1, 2027, after a transition season in 2026/27. The DFB’s executive board and supervisory board approved the call for an extraordinary DFB Federal Congress, which is intended to shape the future direction of the league.
After intense negotiations over the past few months, the 14 clubs’ aspiration to spin off the league is now imminent. The joint foundational contract, which governs the leasing of the division for the next seven years, has legally established the organizational and financial relationships between the parties. The financial arrangements stipulate that the FBL will pay a rental fee at the start of the contract, and from the fourth contract year onward, the FBL will contribute financially to the associations and allocate funds for their activities through the collection of ticket fees.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf stated that following intensive discussions, they found a “viable compromise” that the governing bodies could approve. He emphasized that the DFB will fully uphold its responsibility for the development of women’s football in Germany and will provide significant financial support to the Women’s Bundesliga in refereeing and youth development. DFB General Secretary Holger Blask added that clear responsibilities are necessary for the further professionalization of women’s football in Germany, particularly concerning media marketing.
