DFB plans €100m investment to drive women’s football growth

The German Football Association (DFB) is set to vote on a historic €100 million investment in women’s football.

The proposal, which goes before the DFB General Assembly by November, marks a major shift in how the women’s game is financed and governed in Germany, following the national team’s qualification for the Nations League final after a 3-2 aggregate win over France.

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DFB president Bernd Neuendorf described the plan as a “turning point” aimed at giving the Women’s Bundesliga economic strength, structural independence, and greater visibility.

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“The Women’s Bundesliga must be professionalised urgently,” Neuendorf said.

“We want to ensure it can stand on its own two feet – economically, structurally, and in terms of visibility.”

At the heart of the reform is the creation of a new league company, a joint venture between the DFB’s commercial arm and a newly formed association of Women’s Bundesliga clubs.

The body would manage league operations, marketing, and strategic development, mirroring successful models in England’s WSL and Spain’s Liga F.

If approved, the company could launch operations by 2026, with Bundesliga clubs expected to co-finance the initiative alongside the DFB’s seed funding.

The €100 million fund will target infrastructure upgrades, player welfare, and commercial growth, addressing long-standing concerns that Germany’s domestic league has lagged behind its European rivals despite the national team’s global pedigree.

While the Frauen-Bundesliga has recorded modest gains in attendances and broadcast reach, it continues to trail England and Spain in key performance metrics.

The investment plan also comes as Germany bids to host the UEFA Women’s Euro 2029, with a decision expected next month.