The German Federation splits the women's Bundesliga to create the FBL

In the assembly hall of the German Football Federation, the 223 members voted unanimously this Friday to separate the women's Bundesliga from the federal umbrella and launch an independent competition, the FBL, official and future, from the 2027‑2028 season.

A European precedent

This decision is not a first in Europe. In 2023, the English first and second division clubs announced they would leave the English FA’s umbrella to create a structure called “NewCo” from the 2024‑2025 season.

Goals and ambitions

Beyond the Rhine, the objectives of the split include renegotiating the television rights that expire at the end of the season. The leaders also wish to change the league format and possibly introduce end‑of‑season play‑offs. The DFB president, Bernd Neuendorf, said: “International competition has intensified, others are investing heavily. Our shared ambition must be to firmly embed women’s football at the highest level.”

The 36 German professional clubs had already split from the DFB on 18 December 2000 by creating the German Football League. That name was later turned into the Bundesliga, which today carries the same legacy of separation.

The change is now official and will take effect from the 2027‑2028 season. Stakeholders hope that the new league, the FBL, will boost the visibility and competitiveness of women’s football in Germany.