DFB entry failed again: There is still no agreement in the dispute over the future of the women’s Bundesliga between the clubs and the German Football Association (DFB). The league association rejected the idea of establishing a joint venture at its first general meeting on Thursday.
“The basis was the results of the negotiations with the DFB developed over the past few weeks.” It has been established, “that the positions and framework conditions communicated by the DFB in recent weeks for cooperation within the framework of a joint venture cannot be fulfilled.”it said in a message sent by Eintracht Frankfurt: “On the basis of these discussions, the FBL eV will seek further discussions about alternative forms of partnership cooperation between the FBL eV and the DFB.”
FBL future uncertain
It is therefore still questionable whether and when the new organization will be launched. The GmbH’s goals were to professionalize and better market the league. The DFB”regrets the decision of the FBL eV, according to which the women’s Bundesliga should not be organized under the umbrella of a joint venture in the future. In principle, the DFB remains willing to talk to the FBL eV and the clubs about the further professionalization of the women’s Bundesliga“, said the DFB: “We want to make progress on the matter and are still interested in good solutions. The ongoing international development of women’s football alone requires this.”
The process was “important,”because he clearly stated the central questions and answers. We will take this clarity into further discussions with the DFB“, said Katharina Kiel, President of the FBL eV: “What is crucial for us is that the future of the women’s Bundesliga must be shaped where the sporting and economic engine lies – with the clubs. They bear the greatest investment and implementation responsibility and need clear responsibilities, a high level of ability to act and governance that accelerates growth and increases competitiveness.“
Founded in December 2025
In December, the Bundesliga clubs single-handedly launched their league association (“Frauen-Bundesliga FBL eV”). It was founded under the impression of the rift with the DFB. The “Women’s DFL” was actually supposed to be formed on the DFB campus. But the clubs publicly accused the association of not sticking to agreements.
Among other things, it was about who should have the say when making decisions on key issues. Finances in particular play a central role: The association wants to invest 100 million euros over eight years, and the clubs are expected to spend between 300 and 900 million in order to significantly advance the elite class – especially in terms of infrastructure, minimum salaries for players, personnel requirements and the promotion of young talent.
