The original idea behind the joint venture project was ambitious: a shared entity that would bring together the federation’s institutional framework and the clubs’ commercial and sporting expertise. According to Manuel Hartmann, such a model could have “combined expertise and potentially accelerated structural growth.” However, aligning the interests of all stakeholders has proven difficult. “It has not been possible to reconcile all positions,” he admits, and the project is now paused.
For the time being, the status quo remains. The DFB continues as both organizer and rights holder, positioning itself as a “service provider for the clubs”, as Hartmann says While this ensures continuity, it also postpones deeper structural reform at a time when the international women’s game is evolving rapidly.
The question of independence—mirroring the men’s Bundesliga model under the DFL—has also surfaced, as the clubs formed a new league association without the DFB. Hartmann does not dismiss the idea but stresses the complexity involved. “This is an option, but there are major obstacles to overcome,” he says, pointing out that such negotiations would likely be “no easier than those for the joint venture.” Crucially, any move toward independence would need to be driven by the clubs themselves, requiring both initiative and a detailed, viable proposal.
For the moment, such a proposal is lacking. “The DFB hasn’t been approached with any concrete ideas,” Hartmann explains, suggesting that structural change is more of a medium-term project than an immediate priority. For now, he describes the situation as being “stuck in a loop,” though he remains optimistic that a solution will eventually emerge.
“Some of the discussions have been a little too emotional”
Financial considerations are central to the debate, even if specifics remain undisclosed. Hartmann emphasizes that each stakeholder must contribute within its role, while also highlighting the constraints the DFB faces as a public association. “We cannot simply give money to professional commercial structures,” he notes, underlining the legal and tax limitations that shape the federation’s actions.
Despite external criticism that the DFB’s size and governance might be slowing progress, Hartmann rejects that narrative. He points to numerous reform initiative, ranging from licensing criteria to professional standards, that have been developed in coordination with clubs. In his view, the real challenge has often been internal disagreement rather than institutional resistance. “There has not been a single case in which a proposal from the clubs failed because of the DFB,” he says. Hartmann also hints at the complicated nature of the negotiations: “Some of the discussions have been a little too emotional. In my view, it would be good to take a step back and work in a solution-oriented manner again.”
The immediate future of the Frauen-Bundesliga isn’t impacted by the failing negotiation: “In the short term, we have existing contracts with our partners for next season, so the league will continue to run as it does now”, Hartmann says. The league’s media rights deal ends in 2027. While stability is guaranteed for the moment, starting the negotiations soon would give the Frauen-Bundesliga more leverage.
Text: Helene Altgelt
