Fourteen Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga Clubs to Establish Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V. as New Independent League Entity.

Roger Hampel

Image: Eintracht Frankfurt

On 10 December, the fourteen clubs of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga (German Women's First Division) will formally establish Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V., creating a new organisational body that is set to reshape the governance and long-term development of professional women’s football in Germany. The move follows months of coordinated work among the clubs and represents a structural shift aimed at enabling a more modern, professional and economically sustainable league framework.

The formation of FBL e.V. marks the continuation of efforts launched under the “Geschäftsplan Frauen-Bundesliga Projekt GbR”, through which the clubs jointly prepared strategic foundations for investment, operational development and increased visibility of the women’s game. The new association is intended to foster a more autonomous decision-making environment, allowing the league to strengthen its commercial capabilities and accelerate its broader sporting ambitions.

Formation Without Participation of the German FA Bundesliga

Although the clubs initially anticipated completing the process in cooperation with the German Football Association (DFB), the new entity will be founded without the federation’s involvement. According to the clubs, earlier agreements with the DFB were not sufficiently reflected in the contractual materials associated with the final stage of the process.

Whether the collaboration between FBL e.V. and the DFB will continue beyond the founding date remains open. Future models — including the possibility of a joint venture — have not been ruled out, but no formal direction has been set.

Clubs Emphasise Professionalisation and Long-Term Stability

Eintracht Frankfurt board spokesperson Axel Hellmann described the establishment of Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V. as “another important step in the professionalisation of women’s football”, highlighting the unanimous commitment of all fourteen clubs to organise themselves in a more robust and coordinated manner. At the same time, he acknowledged the clubs’ disappointment that prior understandings with the DFB did not appear in the final documentation, leading to the decision to proceed independently.

The new structure is expected to provide the league with greater operational clarity, improved governance flexibility and the ability to build long-term strategic projects that are essential for competing within a rapidly evolving European women’s football landscape.

Impact on the Future of the German Women’s Game

By creating an independent organisational body, the clubs aim to strengthen the league’s commercial foundation, improve investment pathways and elevate the visibility of the women’s game in Germany. The structure is expected to support projects related to infrastructure, marketing, competition standards and fan engagement, all while promoting sustainable growth at club and league level.