For example, the report shows that all 36 clubs have a sustainability strategy and employ a sustainability manager. The first edition of the report also shows significant progress in the areas of climate and the environment: 80 per cent of the electricity purchased by the clubs now comes from renewable sources. In the area of stakeholder groups and social responsibility, all clubs have fan representatives for inclusion and diversity. In addition, they all offer discounted tickets for selected groups of people, such as people with disabilities or trainees and students.
Matthias Adler, Head of Fans and Sustainability at Bayer 04: "We are delighted that we as a club are working together with the DFL to help develop professional football in a sustainable way. It's great to see that all clubs are pulling in the same direction when it comes to sustainability."
In addition to an overview of developments over the past few years, the report also contains a compact overview for each club of how the topic of sustainability is presented in an individual way. That also applies to Bayer 04.
With the introduction of an environmental management system in accordance with EMAS standards in 2025, for example, Bayer 04 have taken another important step towards establishing environmental responsibility throughout the club. At the same time, social commitment remains a central component of the Bayer 04 approach. Programmes such as ‘Bayer 04 Learning Curve’ and ‘Football Fans in Training’ promote education, health and equal opportunities for people of all ages.
Another successful example of the club's commitment is the ‘Bayer 04 helps’ day. Every year, the Werkself, the Bayer 04 Women and club employees actively support local projects in tandem with the city of Leverkusen, thereby strengthening the community of Leverkusen. Last year, this included the redesign of the city library, a powerful example of regional partnership and shared responsibility.
More facts and figures as well as the complete DFL sustainability report can be found HERE.
Starting now, Bayer 04 is launching a carpool portal, WERKSELFgo, allowing fans to get team up and travel together to home and away matches of the men's and women's teams.
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Nine matches against teams from nine countries, two penalty shoot-outs won, and encounters that went far beyond football: As with last year, the Inklusionswerkself enjoyed an extraordinary week at the Genuine Cup 2026 in Houston, USA, and made memories that will last a lifetime. This year, the Leverkusen side took part as Germany’s official representatives and, accordingly, took to the pitch in Germany kit. Together with 53 teams from 53 nations, the Black and Reds once again sent a powerful message of inclusion and participation – and also impressed on the pitch by winning their group.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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