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

Edmond Tapsoba mit Fernando Carro und Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 29.04.2026

Contract until 2031: Defensive ace Edmond Tapsoba commits long-term to Bayer 04

Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.

Show more
04 Fragen an Edmond Tapsoba | Vertragsverlängerung nach Doku-Premiere
Werkself-TV - 29.04.2026

Tapsoba on his contract extension until 2031: 'A very special day for me'

A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...

Show more
Preview zur Doku „Fierté Burkinabè“
Bayer 04 - 28.04.2026

Emotional preview of ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ - Tapsoba's parents and close companions from Burkina Faso also at the BayArena

This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.

Show more
Thomas Eichin, Carolin Simon und Achim Feifel
Women - 28.04.2026

Former Germany international Carolin Simon rejoins Bayer 04

Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Achim Feifel mit Lobke Loonen
Women - 27.04.2026

Bayer 04 Women sign Dutch striker Lobke Loonen

Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.

Show more