The Rise of Women’s Football: Comparisons are often made between the major international leagues, with the English WSL in particular being held up as a benchmark. What do you see as the unique selling point of the Frauen-Bundesliga?

Bianca Rech: “I strongly believe that we do a good job of developing young German players and, importantly, giving them playing time. That is certainly a major advantage. At the same time, we still have many international players in the league.”

“I hope that at some point we can become the leading league in Europe in terms of attendance. If you look at the teams that were promoted last year, it has almost become the norm to play in front of thousands of spectators and to constantly have highlight games in big stadiums throughout the leage. I believe we can get to the point where the league becomes so attractive that players consciously decide to come to Germany because they want to experience it. Of course, salaries in England are a different matter. But it is not always just about money. The same applies in our case. It is the club, it’s identity and the whole project that makes our players feel incredibly comfortable here. That can make a difference.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Germany has established a new league association (FBL) that will be responsible for the Frauen-Bundesliga from the 2027/28 season onwards. Which of its objectives are particularly important for the league’s continued development?

“Infrastructure is very important to me. We need to provide players with a professional environment: a permanent training and match venue, a gym, and, overall, the conditions required to pursue professional sport on the highest level. There also needs to be a minimum salary in the Bundesliga. I think this is actually coming far too late, but I am glad that we are now discussing it and want to put it into practice.”

What is your view on youth development and the fact that there is no compensation?

“This is a major issue, not only in Germany, but also in Europe and around the world. In my view, Germany needs a system similar to the one used by the men’s youth academies. If we have more professional youth development centres (NLZs) in women’s football in the future, their work also needs to be financially worthwhile.”

“SGS Essen for example have done an incredible job for women’s football over the years. I am always impressed by how many talented young players the club has developed. There needs to be a financial return for that somewhere – for the work and commitment a club has invested.”

How do you view the relationship between independent women’s clubs and clubs backed by a men’s football department?

“It has been clear for many years that it will eventually become difficult for independent clubs to compete in the Bundesliga. On the one hand, that is a shame because it affects many clubs with a long tradition. On the other hand, I see Union Berlin, for example, as a very positive case. The club invested heavily very quickly and developed a clear strategy. In the short term, that can lead to success. At the same time, it is about building a foundation: alongside the first team, you need structures and youth teams. Those clubs have to work on that as well.”

“From my perspective, this development is necessary if we want to remain competitive in Europe, strengthen our national team, develop players and become attractive to new signings. At many clubs, Dortmund for example, there is a clear strategic approach to building women’s football from the grassroots level all the way up to the Bundesliga. That is important for the continued development and success of the league.”

SHAPING THE NEW FRAUEN-BUNDESLIGA

What is your assessment of the debate about a possible playoff format in the Frauen-Bundesliga?

“I think playoffs would be counterproductive. They devalue the league title to a certain extent. The more important question is how we can ensure that the clubs that are not part of the title race improve their player development, invest more and come closer to the top. It also creates a competitive disadvantage for teams that go far in European competitions and are effectively punished for it at the end of the season.”

“What we need to do is ensure that German clubs can go as far as possible in European competitions at the business end of the season. We should have the strength to reach a Champions League final, represent our league and earn points for Germany. That could allow us to qualify more teams the following years if we keep it up.”

“We have the opportunity to inspire many young people to become interested and get involved in women’s football.”

How can the Frauen-Bundesliga product be made even more attractive?

“Let’s start with the fact that neither fans nor clubs often know on many matchdays which day and what time the game will be played.  Due to all the different kick off times, even for top games. What we need is clear visibility – and that starts with fixed, clearly defined kick-off times that people can identify with.”

What opportunities does the home EURO in 2029 offer German women’s football?

“This is a huge opportunity, this cannot be emphasized enough. We have the infrastructure, a football-loving country and, by then, we will probably have an even more attractive league. The lesson from the World Cup in 2011 has to be that we must not stop after the Euros. We have to continue with development programs and further progress. We have the opportunity to inspire many young people to become interested and get involved in women’s football.”

“England has set an excellent example of how to carry the momentum forward after the 2022 Euros. However, one disadvantage of the English league is still that home-grown young talents get significantly less playing time, particularly compared with Germany. That is why we have a opportunity: we can develop young, really talented players and give them playing time as well.”

Beyond Money: Building Identity and Culture

You often hear the argument that investments will not pay off…

“In my view, that is completely the wrong approach. You must be prepared to invest time and have patience. It is like a start-up: first you have to invest before you get anything back. Even at FC Bayern, a great deal of money was invested over many years. We are now reaching a point where we have successfully written our story, sponsors are taking notice of us, spectators are coming to the stadiums, and we are getting closer and closer to breaking even. That must be the goal: to operate sustainably.”

What is your view on investor models in women’s football, such as London City Lionesses?

“With the transfer fees we are seeing now, people are sometimes simply guessing what a player is worth. There is hardly any differentiation in terms of profile and quality. Someone hears a figure and puts it on the table. To me, that does not look like a functioning market. It´s also about building an identity and a culture within a club. I don’t think you can buy this.”

“We will do things when we believe they are right – but not simply to compete in this race.”

“This transfer summer, for me, it has taken things to another level. There is always the question of how Women’s Football can be sustainable at one point? I don’t see clubs like that as direct competitors. FC Bayern does things when they make sense. And it is not just about Bayern, but about the league as a whole. The league has to be attractive enough for players to want to come here. That is not always just about money. We will do things when we believe they are right – but not simply to compete in this race.”

Building the Future at FC Bayern

In which areas do you still see the greatest need for growth at Bayern?

“Winning the league is always the foundation for the upcoming Champions League season. And perhaps there is another goal we can achieve: not only to be record champions in the men’s, but perhaps also in the women’s game. But our biggest ambition is the Champions League. That is what we are all striving for.”

“We have not reached the end of the road with the FC Bayern project yet. With Unterhaching and the construction of the performance centre, a completely new era is beginning. Before construction started, we visited similar projects to see what works well there and what works less well. We spoke to the people responsible. It is important to us that the individual departments are involved in the planning from the very beginning.”

What potential do you see in the marketing of the women’s team?

 “Women’s football was treated rather as an afterthought for many years. Women’s teams were simply included in many contracts without the value of specific rights being properly assessed. We have changed that. Particularly over the past two years, we have taken a major step forward. We have identified specific FC Bayern women’s partners who are explicitly committed to women’s football. At the same time, there are still combined contracts covering both the women’s and men’s teams, but in those cases, there is a clearly defined figure attached to the women’s rights, making the value of those rights visible.”

“That enables us to operate more sustainably and move closer to breaking even. Sometimes we still lack the necessary man – and  womanpower – to fully realize our potential. But we always have to remind ourselves of the dynamism and power we actually have.”

Text: Adriana Wehrens