Posted on October 29, 2025

DFB Plans €100 Million Boost for Women’s Bundesliga

A Historic Investment for German Women’s Football

The German Football Association (DFB) is preparing to make an unprecedented €100 million investment in the Women’s Bundesliga, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in Germany. This proposal, the largest financial commitment in the DFB’s history, will be put to a vote at the upcoming DFB General Assembly. If approved, it promises to reshape the landscape of women’s football in Germany, providing the resources needed to elevate the league’s status both domestically and across Europe.

Objectives: Professionalization and Independence

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf has outlined the primary goals of this investment: to professionalize the Women’s Bundesliga and to ensure its long-term independence. The aim is for the league to become self-sustaining, both economically and structurally, while also increasing its visibility. This would allow the Women’s Bundesliga to compete more effectively with established leagues such as England’s Women’s Super League (WSL) and Spain’s Liga F.

Neuendorf emphasized the urgency of these reforms, noting that the league must stand on its own feet to secure its future. The DFB’s commitment is not only financial but also strategic, as it seeks to create a sustainable environment for women’s football to thrive in Germany.

Structural Reforms: A New League Company

A key component of the proposed reform is the creation of a new league company. This entity would be a joint venture between the DFB’s commercial arm and an association representing the Women’s Bundesliga clubs. The company would be responsible for managing the league’s operations, marketing, and strategic development.

This model draws inspiration from successful structures in other European countries, where similar joint ventures have led to increased professionalism and commercial growth. If the proposal is approved, the new league company could begin operations as early as 2026. Bundesliga clubs are also expected to contribute financially, complementing the DFB’s initial investment and ensuring shared responsibility for the league’s success.

Allocation of Funds: Infrastructure, Player Welfare, and Growth

The €100 million investment will be allocated across several key areas to maximize its impact:

Infrastructure: Upgrading stadiums, training facilities, and support systems to meet professional standards. This will provide players with the resources they need to perform at their best and attract more fans to matches.

Player Welfare: Enhancing medical support, career development programs, and safeguarding initiatives. The goal is to create a secure and supportive environment for athletes, encouraging more young women to pursue football as a career.

Commercial Opportunities: Expanding sponsorship, media rights, and merchandising to increase the league’s revenue streams. By boosting commercial activity, the league can achieve greater financial independence and reinvest in its future.

Competitive Ambitions: Matching Europe’s Best

The timing of this investment is crucial. European women’s football has seen rapid growth in recent years, with leagues in England, Spain, and France attracting top talent and increasing their global visibility. The DFB’s plan is designed to ensure that the Women’s Bundesliga remains competitive and continues to attract and retain elite players.

By professionalizing the league and improving conditions for players, the DFB hopes to prevent the loss of homegrown talent to foreign clubs. National team coach Christian Wück has expressed strong support for the reforms, highlighting their importance in keeping Germany’s best players in the domestic league and maintaining the national team’s high standards.

Recent Successes Highlight Urgency

The German women’s national team’s recent achievements underscore the importance of strengthening the domestic league. After securing a place in the Nations League final with a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over France, Germany is set to face World Cup champions Spain later this year. These successes have brought renewed attention to the Women’s Bundesliga and increased calls for investment to ensure continued progress.

Wück, the national team coach, has welcomed the proposed reforms, describing them as essential for the long-term health of women’s football in Germany. He believes that improved league structures and greater investment will help retain top talent and inspire the next generation of players.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Women’s Bundesliga

If the DFB’s proposal is approved at the General Assembly, it will mark the beginning of a new era for the Women’s Bundesliga. The combination of significant financial investment, structural reform, and a focus on sustainability positions the league to become a leading force in European women’s football.

The DFB’s commitment reflects a broader recognition of the value and potential of women’s football in Germany. By investing in infrastructure, player welfare, and commercial growth, the association aims to create a vibrant, competitive, and self-sustaining league that can inspire future generations.