Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg have expressed opposition to the potential introduction of playoffs and a relegation playoff in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The proposed reforms, which include a semifinal for the top four teams and a final starting from the 2027/28 season, are currently under consideration as part of negotiations with media partners.
The league leadership expects that the addition of playoffs could lead to better bids for media rights. Currently, TV contracts with ARD, ZDF, MagentaTV, DAZN, Sport1, and Sky provide the Frauen-Bundesliga clubs with 5.2 million euros per year.
Playoffs mean a devaluation of the league.
VfL Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking stated that the introduction of playoffs could be counterproductive to the competition and might result in the season's best team not becoming champion. He also noted that playoffs would occur during a period when top players are already physically challenged.
That cannot be in the spirit of sport.
Bianca Rech asked whether precisely those clubs and players who represent German women's football in the Champions League knockout phase should be burdened with additional games.
Dominance and Revenue Concerns
The drive for reform follows a period of dominance by Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg, who have each won five titles in the past ten years. While some supporters of the playoff model exist among the 14 Frauen-Bundesliga clubs, there are concerns that existing media partners could withdraw and revenues could decline.
Annual revenue brought to Frauen-Bundesliga clubs by current TV contracts
