Back
23.06.2024Women

Women's Bundesliga expansion to 14 teams from 2025/26

The Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is to be expanded from 12 to 14 teams for the 2025/26 season. The board of the German Football Association (DFB) made this change on Sunday 23 June on the recommendation of the relevant committees.
crop_20230822_NB_Frauen_Training_97499.jpg

The forthcoming 2024/25 season, which starts on Friday 30 August, will serve as a transition to qualification for the expanded league. One team will be relegated from the top-flight instead of two as before and the top three teams in Bundesliga 2 will be promoted.

"Broader competition and a greater profile for all teams will focus attention on the league. An appropriate framework will promote the development of our players and strengthen the bond with the fans," said Sabina Mammitzsch, DFB vice-president for women's and girls football.

"Developments over the past few years not only show that the sporting level has improved but also the economic and social significance of women's football has also increased significantly," said Dr Holger Blask, chief executive of DFB GmbH & Co. KG:"More and more professional clubs recognise the value and potential of the sport and are investing accordingly."

Related News

Benjamin Adam
Youth - 12.06.2026

U17 coach Benjamin Adam leaves Bayer 04 for Rostock

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser
Women - 10.06.2026

Women: International round-up - Wamser and Kramer in World Cup finals

There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.

Show more
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Bayer 04 - 10.06.2026

Where to Watch the Bayer 04 Stars in North America

Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!

Show more
Neue Bestuhlung der BayArena
Bayer 04 - 09.06.2026

New seating for the BayArena - donation and reuse of existing seats

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.

Show more