Women's Bundesliga: Eastern Clubs Granted Licenses

In a significant development for women's football in Germany, all five women's teams from Eastern Germany and Berlin have successfully obtained licenses to compete in either the Bundesliga or the second division. These clubs met the necessary criteria set forth by the league for the upcoming season.

Clubs such as RB Leipzig, FC Carl Zeiss Jena, and the newly promoted Union Berlin are among those who have secured their place in the first division for the upcoming season. This year marks a historic moment as the top league will expand to include 14 teams, a first in the competition's history. The aforementioned teams, alongside the other licensed clubs, have complied with the new requirements that will take effect starting in the 2025/2026 season. These requirements include the establishment of full-time positions for coaching staff, specifically for roles such as goalkeeper and athletic trainers.

Meanwhile, Bundesliga relegated team Turbine Potsdam and promoted club Viktoria Berlin have also been granted access to the second tier, having met the performance criteria necessary for qualification. It is worth noting that teams in the second division will also be required to fulfill specific obligations, including hiring a coach and a manager for a minimum of 20 hours each week.

The Bundesliga season is set to kick off on September 6, featuring a match between reigning champions Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. The second division will commence two weeks earlier, intensifying the excitement for fans as the new football calendar approaches.

This licensing process underscores the growing investment in women's football across Germany, reflecting a commitment to elevating the sport and providing better support for clubs and their athletes. With these developments, the landscape of women's football in the country is poised for further growth and recognition.