BERLIN – A majority of Germany’s top women’s soccer clubs have announced the formation of a new, independant league structure, effectively splitting from the German Football Association (DFB). The move, confirmed today, sees 12 clubs establishing the “WELTFOOTBALL Women’s Bundesliga” (WFB), slated to begin play in the 2024/25 season.
The founding clubs include Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Köln, Freiburg, Hoffenheim, Leverkusen, Potsdam, RB Leipzig, Schalke 04, Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, and Werder Bremen. They cite dissatisfaction with the DFB’s financial support and strategic vision for the frauen-Bundesliga, Germany’s top-flight women’s league.
“We are taking obligation for the future of the league,” said Robert Klein,CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt,in a press statement. “For years, the potential of the Frauen-bundesliga has been underestimated. With the WFB, we are creating a professional structure that will allow the league to flourish.”
The clubs argue that the DFB has not adequately invested in marketing, broadcasting, and infrastructure for the women’s game, hindering its growth. They aim to secure greater financial independence through increased sponsorship revenue and media rights deals under the new structure.
The DFB has expressed regret over the decision, stating it remains open to dialog. “We deeply regret that the clubs have chosen this path,” a DFB spokesperson said.”we are convinced that the future of women’s football in Germany is best served through a strong, unified structure.”
Germany has historically been a powerhouse in women’s soccer, winning two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007) and eight UEFA Women’s European Championships (1989, 1991, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013).However, concerns have grown in recent years that the league is falling behind other top European leagues in terms of investment and competitiveness. The creation of the WFB represents a significant attempt to address these issues and secure a more enduring future for the Frauen-Bundesliga.
