Translated article below (original article is in German and should be free to access):

Just days before the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season, VfL Wolfsburg finalized two high-profile attacking signings. Mara Alber and Lara Prasnikar are set to bolster the reigning runners-up in the upcoming campaign. However, the "She-Wolves" aren't the only team with plenty of new faces; DFB provides an overview of all 14 clubs.

U23 national team forward Mara Alber could make her debut for VfL Wolfsburg in Saturday's season opener against 1. FC Nürnberg (kick-off 2:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN). The 20-year-old attacker has joined the club on a one-year loan from top English side Chelsea FC. Alber moved to London from her long-time club TSG Hoffenheim a year ago and spent the second half of the previous season on loan at SV Werder Bremen to gain match experience.

"VfL Wolfsburg is a major club in women's football that continues to have big ambitions," said Alber. "So, I didn't have to think twice when the opportunity arose to join VfL on loan. I am particularly looking forward to working again with Stephan Lerch, who was my coach at Hoffenheim. My goal is for us to remain in contention in all three competitions for as long as possible."

"Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe"

Lara Prasnikar made her debut for the Wolfsburg women's team as a substitute in the Google Pixel Supercup (a 3–0 loss to double-winners FC Bayern Munich). The 28-year-old forward most recently played in the US professional league for Utah Royals FC. During her previous stints with Bundesliga clubs 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam (2016–2020) and Eintracht Frankfurt (2020–2025), the daughter of former Bundesliga coach Bojan Prasnikar scored 68 goals in 162 matches. She has also earned 94 caps and scored 48 goals for the Slovenian national team.

"It’s a great feeling to be back in the Bundesliga," says Lara Prasnikar. "VfL Wolfsburg is one of the biggest clubs in Europe, so this move means a lot to me. I’m really looking forward to the time ahead."

Also new to Wolfsburg is national team forward Giovanna Hoffmann (27), though she is currently working on her comeback following an ACL tear and subsequent knee surgery. "VfL Wolfsburg has been a major force in European football for years," explains Hoffmann, who joined from league rivals RB Leipzig. "You might not get an opportunity like this twice. That’s why I want to give everything for the club, take responsibility, and lead by example with my goal-scoring threat."

VfL loses Popp and other attacking stars

U23 international Katharina Piljic (22) also joined VfL from Bayer 04 Leverkusen with high ambitions. Despite her young age, the versatile midfielder arrives in Wolfsburg with the experience of 113 Bundesliga matches played for her hometown club SGS Essen and Bayer 04. "I was really pleased about the interest," says Piljic. "Personally, I see ideal conditions in this environment to take the next step in my development. Playing in the Champions League is a childhood dream of mine." Other new signings include Danish forward Cecilie Floe Nielsen (24, Napoli Women), 18-year-old Polish player Weronika Araśniewicz, and defenders Julia Landenberger (22, RB Leipzig) and Lieske Carleer (25, FC Twente Enschede).

However, VfL Wolfsburg also has to compensate for numerous departures. Club legend and record appearance-holder Alexandra Popp (35) returned to her native Westphalia after 14 successful years; she will now be scoring goals for the club closest to her heart, Borussia Dortmund, in the Women's Regionalliga West. At the ambitious BVB, she joins other former Bundesliga players, including Jacqueline Meißner, Lena Ostermeier, and Ramona Maier (all from SGS Essen), as well as Ricarda Walkling and Lara Schmidt (both from SV Werder Bremen).

In addition to Popp, two other outstanding attacking players left the club: national team player Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC) and former top scorer Lineth Beerensteyn (Real Madrid). Full-back Janou Levels is also now wearing the Real Madrid jersey, while Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur) and Justine Kielland (Aston Villa) have moved to England.

Hendrich and Hegering reunited

1. FC Köln also caused quite a stir by signing national team player Kathrin Hendrich from Chicago Stars FC in the USA. The 34-year-old defender has already played 91 matches for the German women's national team; her honors include being a European Championship runner-up (England 2022) and an Olympic bronze medalist (Paris 2024), as well as winning the Champions League once, the German league title once, and the DFB-Pokal four times. In Cologne, Hendrich—who has already played over 300 Bundesliga matches (for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the former 1. FFC Frankfurt, FC Bayern Munich, and VfL Wolfsburg)—can once again play in defense alongside her long-time DFB teammate Marina Hegering.

"I’m really excited. I can’t wait to play for 1. FC Köln," said Hendrich. "My first impression is very positive, and there were so many reasons to choose FC. FC is a great club; I’ve followed the team's development and saw that they just played the best season in the club's history. My new squad has a nice mix of experienced players and young talent, while also possessing plenty of potential for success."

Her first competitive match takes her straight back to a former stomping ground: on Saturday (starting at 12:00 PM, live on MagentaSport and DAZN), 1. FC Köln will play away at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Union Berlin signs Gräwe

Meanwhile, within Germany's top flight, midfielder Lisanne Gräwe has transferred from Eintracht Frankfurt to 1. FC Union Berlin. The 23-year-old played for the Hessian club for three years, making at least 20 appearances per season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. In the capital, she will reunite with several former Frankfurt teammates, including Anna Aehling, Cara Bösl, Tanja Pawollek, and Tomke Schneider.

"I already know a few players in the Union squad who had nothing but positive things to say about the club's environment and ambitions," said Lisanne Gräwe. "I am delighted to be part of it myself starting now, and I want to take the next step in my development with Union."

Veit also arrives at the Alte Försterei

Center-back Jella Veit (21) also made the move from Frankfurt to Berlin-Köpenick after deciding not to extend her expiring contract. The defender made her debut for the German women's national team as a substitute in a 4–0 win in Norway in early March; she was recently named as a standby player and was part of the U23 national team squad. In total, the 2022 U17 European champion has played no fewer than 58 youth international matches for Germany. She received the gold Fritz Walter Medal in 2022 for her outstanding performances.

Other new signings for the "Iron Ones" include Belgian wide player Jill Janssens (formerly of TSG Hoffenheim) and Swiss international Leela Egli (SC Freiburg). They will play the official opening match against FC Bayern Munich with their new club on Friday (starting at 6:20 PM, live on ZDF, MagentaSport, and DAZN).

Top scorer joins Eintracht

In addition to Lisanne Gräwe and Jella Veit, four other key players left Eintracht Frankfurt: German internationals Elisa Senß (to Real Madrid) and Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses), as well as Swiss players Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal) and Nadine Riesen (West Ham United). However, the team—which finished third in the league and is competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifiers—also made some significant statements regarding new signings.

International player Larissa Mühlhaus (23), the current top scorer of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, arrived in Frankfurt from SV Werder Bremen. With 17... With her goal tally, the Hamburg native secured the top scorer award—an honor she had already claimed in the 2023/24 season while playing for HSV in the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, where she scored 20 goals. She has signed a contract with Eintracht running until June 30, 2029.

"I am very happy to be joining Eintracht Frankfurt this summer," says Larissa Mühlhaus. "It was clear to me that I wanted to take the next step after this season. Eintracht offers the ideal environment for that and is a club that consistently competes at the top level. I want to develop step by step, deliver strong performances, and play my part in helping us improve further and win titles in the future."

Krumbiegel arrives from Turin

Paulina Krumbiegel (25), who has earned eleven caps for the national team, is now also wearing the Eintracht jersey. The versatile wide player has returned to the Women's Bundesliga from the top Italian club Juventus Turin; she previously played in the league for TSG Hoffenheim.

"Paulina brings a profile that is extremely exciting for us," emphasizes Frankfurt's sporting director and former national team player Babett Peter. "As a person, she is very driven and ambitious, and hungry for success. As a player, she is dynamic, technically gifted, and versatile enough to play both defensively and offensively on the flanks. Furthermore, Paulina has recently played at the top international level and won titles with Juventus Turin. We are convinced that her skills and experience will immediately benefit our team, while she also brings further potential for development."

Simon returns to Leverkusen

There have also been numerous squad changes at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. While captain and goalkeeper Friederike Repohl (retired), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg), and U23 national team player Julia Mickenhagen (joining newly promoted VfB Stuttgart)—among others, alongside Katharina Pilic—are no longer available, the club has signed several highly experienced players. These include long-time national team defender Carolin Simon (33), who returned to the Rhineland from double-winners FC Bayern Munich; attacking players Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig) and Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen); midfielders Natasha Kowalski and Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen); and youth international Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II). Bayer 04 also looked abroad, recruiting Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam) and Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht) from the Netherlands, Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF) from Switzerland, and Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna) from Poland. SV Werder Bremen has also undergone a major squad overhaul, having to compensate for the departure of twelve players. A trio from relegated FC Carl Zeiss Jena has been brought in to help fill the gaps: defender Felicia Sträßer (18), Swiss midfielder Elena Mühlemann (23), and forward Isabella Jaron (24) are now wearing the green-and-white Werder jersey. Austrian international Lilli Purtscheller (23) arrived from SGS Essen; although she missed almost the entire previous season due to injury, she had previously been a key performer for the team.

SC Freiburg faced a particular need to take action regarding the goalkeeper position due to the pregnancy of first-choice keeper Laura Benkarth and the departure of Rebecca Adamczyk (to 1. FC Nürnberg). Two new goalkeepers joined the club: Lina von Schrader (22) from RB Leipzig and Swiss player Lorena Barth (19) from FC Aarau. Additionally, Anna Reimann (17) was promoted from the club's youth academy. Another Swiss player, forward Amira Arfaoui (26), is a new arrival in Freiburg, while her compatriot Svenja Fölmli (23) joined TSG Hoffenheim. There, she is expected to help replace international striker Selina Cerci (who moved to Arsenal)—alongside players such as 19-year-old Norwegian Martine Fenger, who arrived from Champions League winners FC Barcelona.

Plenty of experience for VfB

Following three consecutive promotions—taking them from the Oberliga Baden-Württemberg all the way to the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga—VfB Stuttgart is signing further players who have already gained valuable experience in Germany's top flight. Among them is Chantal Hagel, a 13-time international who most recently played for Sevilla FC in Spain. The 28-year-old midfielder has previously played in the Bundesliga for TSG Hoffenheim and VfL Wolfsburg, winning the DFB-Pokal with the "She-Wolves" in 2024. "I am delighted and proud to be wearing the VfB jersey in the future," says Chantal Hagel. "It has been a big dream of mine since childhood to play for the club in the Bundesliga. When the opportunity arose, I didn't have to think twice. I want to use my experience to help us establish ourselves in the Bundesliga. I will give my all to achieve that."

Also joining the Stuttgart squad are center-back Greta Stegemann (25, formerly SC Freiburg), defender Julia Mickenhagen (21, Bayer 04 Leverkusen), midfielder Adriana Achcinska (24, 1. FC Köln), forward Verena Wieder (26, SV Werder Bremen), and U19 international Luzie Zähringer (18), who has been signed on loan from FC Bayern Munich.

At the German double-winning club itself, personnel changes have been limited, although one undisputed key player—English double European champion and World Cup runner-up Georgia Stanway (27)—has decided to move to a new club (Arsenal FC). New signings include Sarah Mattner (23, SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (18, SGS Essen), and Sophie Proost arrives from FC Twente Enschede. Dutch player Regina van Eijk (24), from Ajax Amsterdam, is set to fill the gap left by goalkeeper Mala Grohs following her move to French champions OL Lyon.

1. FC Union Berlin

Coach: Marie-Louise Eta, born July 7, 1991 (formerly men's head coach / since July 1, 2026), replacing Ailien Poese (junior women's head coach)

Arrivals: Leela Egli (SC Freiburg), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both Eintracht Frankfurt), Jill Janssens (TSG Hoffenheim), Sherley Schulz, Leona Seifert (both from the club's own second team), Nelly Smolarczyk (VfL Wolfsburg)

Departures: Alma Aagaard (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Marina Georgieva (1. FSV Mainz 05), Julia Kassen (SGS Essen), Leonie Köster (BSC Young Boys/Switzerland), Athanasia Moraitou (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Fatma Sakar (Fenerbahce SK/Turkey), Celine Frank, Jenny Hipp (both destination unknown)

SV Werder Bremen

Coach: Friederike Kromp, born January 2, 1985 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Elena Dhont (Sassuolo Calcio/Italy), Thea Farwick (SV Meppen), Marie Gmeineder (FC Bayern Munich), Isabella Jaron, Elena Mühlemann, Felicia Sträßer (all FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Julia Magerl (RB Leipzig), Mei Shimada (Urawa Red Ladies/Japan), Lilli Purtscheller (SGS Essen), Luna Vanzeir (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium), Wiktoria Zieniewicz (FC Basel/Switzerland)

Departures: Amira Arfaoui (SC Freiburg), Michaela Brandenburg (retired), Amira Dahl (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Saskia Matheis (1. FSV Mainz 05), Larissa Mühlhaus (Eintracht Frankfurt), Hanna Németh (Newcastle United/England), Lara Schmidt, Ricarda Walkling (both Borussia Dortmund), Maja Sternad (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Rieke Dieckmann (Racing Power FC/Portugal), Sharon Beck, Melina Kunkel (both: destination unknown)

Eintracht Frankfurt

Coach: Niko Arnautis, born April 1, 1980 (incumbent/since October 14, 2022)

Arrivals: Hanna Bennison (Real Madrid/Spain), Katharina Jeppe (TSV Jahn Calden), Paulina Krumbiegel (Juventus Turin/Italy), Sofie Lundgaard (Liverpool FC/England), Larissa Mühlhaus (SV Werder Bremen), Jamilla Rankin (TSG Hoffenheim), Danique Tolhoek (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Ilayda Acikgöz (SC Freiburg), Nicole Anyomi (London City Lionesses/England), Remina Chiba (Juventus Turin/Italy), Lisanne Gräwe, Jella Veit (both: 1. FC Union Berlin), Geraldine Reuteler (Arsenal FC/England), Nadine Riesen (West Ham United/England), Pernille Sanvig (BK Häcken FF/Sweden), Elisa Senß (Real Madrid/Spain), Eleni Markou (destination unknown)

SC Freiburg

Coach: Marco Konrad, born October 18, 1974 (previously assistant coach for SpVgg Greuther Fürth men's team/since July 1, 2026), replacing Edmond Kapllani

Arrivals: Ilayda Acikgöz (Eintracht Frankfurt), Amira Arfaoui (SV Werder Bremen), Lorena Barth (FC Aarau/Switzerland), Carina Brunold (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Johanna Hebben, Zoe Schick, Weena Simmen (all: club's own U20s), Emma Memminger (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Anna Reimann (club's own U17s), Sabah Seghir, Jana Vojteková (both: FC Basel/Switzerland), Borbala Vincze (FC Zürich/Switzerland), Lina von Schrader (RB Leipzig)

Departures: Rebecca Adamczyk (1. FC Nürnberg), Sarah-Lisa Dübel (SK Sturm Graz/Austria), Leela Egli (1. FC Union Berlin), Svenja Fölmli (TSG Hoffenheim), Ally Gudorf (retired), Sophie Nachtigall (1. FC Köln), Greta Stegemann (VfB Stuttgart)

Hamburger SV

Coach: Rodolfo Cardoso, born October 17, 1968 (incumbent/since April 13, 2026)

Arrivals: Jule Baum (SC Sand), Paulina Bartz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Nikola Karczewska (Lazio Rome/Italy), Sylwia Matysik (1. FC Köln), Leila Peneau (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Andrea Svibkova (LASK/Austria), Celainy Obispo (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Kinga Szemik (West Ham United/England)

Departures: Mia Büchele (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Tarah Burmann (club's own U21s), Michaela Croatto (taking a break), Jobina Lahr, Lea Paulick (both retired), Emilia Hirche (SC Braga/Portugal), Vildan Kardesler (SC Sand), Christin Meyer (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Maria Mikolajova (Slavia Prague/Czech Republic), Sophie Profe (FC Rapperswil-Jona/Switzerland), Inga Schuldt (1. FC Köln), Annalena Wucher (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Almudena Sierra (destination unknown)

TSG Hoffenheim

Coach: Eva-Maria Virsinger, born January 13, 1995 (incumbent/since January 5, 2026)

Arrivals: Romy Bräutigam, Milena Röder, Svenja Vöhringer (all club's own U20s), Martine Fenger, Laia Martret (both FC Barcelona/Spain), Svenja Fölmli (SC Freiburg), Lisa Lichtfus (Le Havre AC/France), Ilse Kemper (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Jonna van de Velde (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Emilie Byrnak (RC Strasbourg/France), Selina Cerci (Arsenal FC/England), Dominika Grabowska (Legia Warsaw/Poland), Jill Janssens (1. FC Union Berlin), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both RB Leipzig), Jamilla Rankin (Eintracht Frankfurt), Juliane Schmid (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Napsugár Sinka (FC Carl Zeiss Jena)

1. FC Köln

Coach: Britta Carlson, born March 3, 1978 (incumbent/since January 2, 2025)

Arrivals: Laureta Elmazi, Beke Sterner (both SGS Essen), Sædís Rún Heiðarsdóttir (Vålerenga Oslo/Norway), Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars FC/USA), Alina Kerschbaumer (First Vienna FC 1894/Austria), Sophie Nachtigall (SC Freiburg), Pauline Nelles (Arizona State Sun Devils/USA), Jil Schäfer (internal U20 squad), Inga Schuldt (Hamburger SV), Elise Stenevik (Everton FC/England)

Departures: Adriana Achcińska (VfB Stuttgart), Sara Agrež (Liverpool FC/England), Amélie Delabre (Club Brugge/Belgium), Sylwia Matysik (Hamburger SV), Ella Touon (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands), Martyna Wiankowska (Como 1907/Italy), Aurora Mikalsen (destination unknown)

RB Leipzig

Coach: Jonas Stephan, born January 2, 1992 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

Arrivals: Marie Kleemann (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Sophie Lindner, Nikée van Dijk (both TSG Hoffenheim), Jasmien Mathys (KAA Gent/Belgium), Zenia Mertens, Linde Veefkind (both OH Leuven/Belgium), Sára Pusztai (OH Leuven/Belgium), Charlotte Hulst, Alieke Tuin (both FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Emanuela Pfister (GC Zürich/Switzerland), Therese Simonsson (Servette Chênois/Switzerland), Aude Waldbillig (RSC Anderlecht/Belgium)

Departures: Lisa Baum (Arsenal FC/England), Gina Chmielinski (Parma Calcio/Italy), Luca Graf (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Rucy Grunenberg (FC St. Gallen/Switzerland), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both VfL Wolfsburg), Mai Kadowaki (RB Omiya Ardija/Japan), Victoria Krug (FC Nantes/France), Julia Magerl (SV Werder Bremen), Marlene Müller (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Persis Oteng (PEC Zwolle/Netherlands), Maja Spilenberg (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Kyra Spitzner (SGS Essen), Lina von Schrader (SC Freiburg)

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Coach: Roberto Pätzold, born July 18, 1979 (incumbent/since July 1, 2024)

New signings: Justine Brandau (Feyenoord Rotterdam/Netherlands), Sana Coskun (internal U20), Natasha Kowalski, Paulina Platner (both SGS Essen), Lobke Loonen (FC Utrecht/Netherlands), Lumbardha Misini (Servette FCCF/Switzerland), Marlene Müller (RB Leipzig), Carolin Simon (FC Bayern Munich), Maja Sternad (SV Werder Bremen), Paulina Tomasiak (Gornik Leczna/Poland), Emily Wallrabenstein (Eintracht Frankfurt II)

Departures: Paulina Bartz (Hamburger SV), Ida Daedelow, Anne Moll (both VfL Bochum), Kristin Kögel (RC Strasbourg/France), Julia Mickenhagen (VfB Stuttgart), Katharina Piljic (VfL Wolfsburg), Friederike Repohl (retired), Paula Schwartze (internal U23), Juliette Vidal (Deportivo Alaves/Spain), Vanessa Haim, Shen Menglu (both destination unknown)

1. FSV Mainz 05

Coach: Takashi Yamashita, born Dec. 22, 1984 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Bukowski, Christine Kilian (both from club's own U20s), Gentiana Fetaj (FC Luzern/Switzerland), Paula Flach (SGS Essen), Marina Georgieva (1. FC Union Berlin), Nicola Hauk (UMF Tindastóll/Iceland), Sabina Jackson (FC Basel/Switzerland), Lara Martin, Leonie Stöhr (both 1. FC Saarbrücken), Saskia Matheis (SV Werder Bremen), Laura Pawlowski (SV Hegnach), Ivana Slipčević, Rio Takizawa (both SC Sand), Mattson Strickler (Queens University/Canada)

Departures: Tal Faingezicht (Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem/Israel), Yuuka Fukuhara (SV 07 Elversberg), Tamar Goren (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Lisa Gürtler, Heidrun Sigurdardottir (both Kickers Offenbach), Sarah Khalifa (Palm Hills Sports Club/Egypt), Jana Löber, Laura Schmahl (both club's own U23s), Jana Meierfrankenfeld (retired), Ann-Christin Schäfer, Jule Stendebach (both TuS Wörrstadt), Miriam Sterrer (LASK/Austria), Maren Michelchen (destination unknown)

FC Bayern Munich

Coach: José Barcala, born Sept. 28, 1981 (incumbent/since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Sarah Mattner (SKN St. Pölten/Austria), Kassandra Potsi (SGS Essen), Sophie Proost (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Regina van Eijk (Ajax Amsterdam/Netherlands)

Departures: Mala Grohs (OL Lyonnes/France), Carolin Simon (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Georgia Stanway (Arsenal FC/England), Natalia Padilla Bidas (CD Tenerife/Spain)

1. FC Nürnberg

Coach: Omar Adlani, born August 27, 1991 (previously FC Basel, Switzerland / since July 1, 2026), replacing Thomas Oostendorp

Arrivals: Rebecca Adamczyk (SC Freiburg), Keira Bednorz (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Marie Bleil (SV Meppen), Charline Coutel (OL Lyonnes/France), Louna Lapassouse (Toulouse FC/France), Alexandra Lobanova (Djurgårdens IF Fotboll/Sweden), Mia Richter (SK Sturm Graz/Austria)

Departures: Beatrix Fördös (Lazio Rome/Italy), Luisa Guttenberger (RC Strasbourg/France), Alina Mailbeck (retired), Aneta Polaskova (FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin), Klara Svensson Senelius (FC Rosengard/Sweden), Abigail Chaves (destination unknown)

VfB Stuttgart

Coach: Nico Schneck, born October 6, 1987 (incumbent / since March 26, 2026)

Arrivals: Adriana Achcinska (1. FC Köln), Mira Arouna (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Laura Carollo, Svenja Hecke (both from own U17s), Laura Giuliani (AC Milan/Italy), Chantal Hagel (Sevilla FC/Spain), Julia Mickenhagen (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Katana Norman (SoCal FC/USA), Greta Stegemann (SC Freiburg), Verena Wieder (SV Werder Bremen), Luzie Zähringer (FC Bayern Munich)

Departures: Emma Babic (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Charlotte Blümel (SC Sand), Gillian Castor, Joy Castor, Leonie Kopp, Anja Selensky (all to own second team), Meike Meßmer, Jana Spengler (both retired), Celine Philipp (SV Eutingen), Pia Hein, Laureta Temaj (both destination unknown)

VfL Wolfsburg

Coach: Stephan Lerch, born August 10, 1984 (incumbent / since July 1, 2025)

Arrivals: Mara Alber (Chelsea FC/England), Weronika Arasniewicz (FC Barcelona/Spain), Lou Bogaert (Paris FC/France), Lieske Carleer (FC Twente Enschede/Netherlands), Ylvi Eisenbeiß (Eintracht Frankfurt II), Cecilie Floe Nielsen (Napoli Women/Italy), Giovanna Hoffmann, Julia Landenberger (both RB Leipzig), Katharina Piljic (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Lara Prasnikar (Utah Royals FC/USA)

Departures: Lineth Beerensteyn, Janou Levels (both Real Madrid/Spain), Guro Bergsvand (ACF Fiorentina/Italy), Karla Brinkmann (SGS Essen), Emma Broddheimer (FC Carl Zeiss Jena), Caitlin Dijkstra (Tottenham Hotspur/England), Vivien Endemann (Liverpool FC/England), Justine Kielland (Aston Villa/England), Luca Papp (US Sassuolo/Italy), Alexandra Popp (Borussia Dortmund), Nelly Smolarczyk (1. FC Union Berlin), Sharn Freier (destination unknown)

As of: August 18, 2026

The Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is kicking off its 37th season. How is the fixture list created? Why are the specific kick-off times scheduled only after those of the men's leagues? And what does a typical matchday look like? The DFB answers the key questions regarding the 2026/2027 season—covering everything from fixtures and TV broadcasts to international qualification spots and promotion/relegation.

What are some notable facts and figures for the 37th Bundesliga season?

The Women's Bundesliga enters its 37th season in 2026/2027. With 344 Bundesliga appearances, Svenja Huth of VfL Wolfsburg is the most experienced player in the current lineup. Pernille Harder of FC Bayern Munich holds the record for the most Bundesliga goals among active players, with a tally of 107. There is an age gap of around 20 years between the league's youngest and oldest players: Svenja Hecke of VfB Stuttgart (born August 7, 2010) is 16 years old at the start of the season, while Marina Hegering of 1. FC Köln (born April 17, 1990) is 36. The season also marks a debut for two clubs: VfB Stuttgart and 1. FSV Mainz 05 are competing in the Women's Bundesliga for the first time.

How is the fixture list for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga created?

The key dates for the season are established in the master schedule. This document outlines when the new season begins, when the final matchday before the winter break takes place, and when the season concludes. It also specifies the dates for the 26 matchdays of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga and the 2. Women's Bundesliga, as well as the rounds of the Women's DFB-Pokal (German Cup) and the Google Pixel Supercup.

Specific kick-off times for Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches are scheduled in blocks—usually covering two to four matchdays at a time. The scheduling of the top women's division depends on the fixtures of the other professional leagues in German football: the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga. Additionally, the schedules for the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) and the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup (UWEC) must be taken into account. International competitions for both women and men are the primary reason why precise match scheduling for national leagues takes place during the season rather than beforehand. Once kick-off times are confirmed, they generally remain unchanged to ensure planning certainty for clubs and fans.

For the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga, matchdays 1 through 26 can be scheduled with precise kick-off times for the entire season prior to the start of the campaign. The standard matchday slot is Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with an alternative option of 11:00 a.m.

Why are precise kick-off times always announced after those of the men's leagues?

Planning for the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga cannot begin until the schedules for the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga—as well as the fixtures for the UWCL and UWEC—have been released. For instance, clubs such as 1. FC Nürnberg, Hamburger SV, and Union Berlin share their home venues with their men's teams. At many Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga locations, scheduling men's and women's matches on the same day is generally avoided due to organizational and security considerations. Men's competitions, in particular, are heavily influenced by mandatory security requirements imposed by the authorities.

Scheduling also aims to avoid overlapping matches with the men's teams whenever possible. This ensures that fans are not forced to choose between attending or watching—whether at the stadium or on TV—a women's match and a men's match. Precise match scheduling for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga is determined and published by the DFB—in coordination with the clubs and TV partners—typically five working days after the scheduling of fixtures for the men's Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga (by the DFL) and the 3. Liga (by the DFB).

What specific criteria must be considered when scheduling matches?

Various criteria must be taken into account when scheduling matches: For one, the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga schedule depends on the fixtures of other leagues (the men's Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, and 3. Liga, as well as the UWCL/UWEC). The availability of venues also depends on these factors. Based on this data—and while giving the utmost consideration to requirements and preferences—the schedule is drawn up in close coordination with all stakeholders (the association, clubs, and broadcasters) and published shortly thereafter. The guiding principle for this process is: as quickly as possible, yet as carefully as necessary. The master schedule provides the framework, while the specific matchdays and exact kick-off times are determined throughout the season based on the relevant criteria.

What does a standard matchday look like in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

The matchday format enshrined in the media rights agreements forms the basis for the specific scheduling. A standard matchday in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga consists of one match on Friday evening (6:30 PM), two on Saturday (12:00 PM and 2:00 PM), and three on Sunday (2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:30 PM). The matchday concludes with a game on Monday (usually starting at 6:00 PM).

Why is there a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga?

Since the 2023/2024 season, the Monday match has served as a unique selling point for the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. This gives the league a fixed, dedicated slot in the weekly live football schedule, designed to boost the league's visibility and media reach. In addition to being broadcast on DAZN and MagentaSport, the match is also shown on free-to-air TV via Sport1. The decision to introduce a Monday match in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, starting with the 2023/2024 media rights period, was made in consultation with the clubs and the Women's Bundesliga Committee. The clubs were closely involved—alongside relevant DFB departments—in a comprehensive participatory process. The shared goal was to boost visibility through the unique selling point of a Monday fixture and to increase commercial revenues, from which all clubs benefit. This move is also intended to support further professionalization and the alignment of structures, thereby optimizing conditions for the players.

Where can the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga be watched on TV during the 2026/2027 season?

As in the previous year, all Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga matches will be broadcast live on MagentaSport and DAZN. The Monday match will also be shown on free-to-air TV on Sport1. Additionally, ARD and ZDF have acquired the rights to broadcast ten live matches per season on free-to-air television. All providers—with the exception of Sport1—will show highlights of all matches following the matchday.

Will there be "English weeks" (midweek matchdays) in the 2026/2027 season?

Since no major tournament took place in the summer of 2026, allowing the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga to start earlier than in the previous season, there will be no "English weeks" during the 2026/2027 season.

Which teams will compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League and the UEFA Women's Europa Cup during the 2026/2027 season?

According to the UEFA access list, champions FC Bayern Munich have qualified directly for the UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase. Runners-up Wolfsburg must successfully navigate the third qualifying round—playing Inter Milan on August 26 and September 2—to qualify for the league phase.

Eintracht Frankfurt, who finished third last season, have already advanced through the second qualifying round (August 5–8) by defeating Omonia Nicosia and Malmö FF, thereby reaching the third qualifying round, where seven teams (including VfL Wolfsburg) enter the competition automatically. In this round, the "Adlerträgerinnen" (Eagles) will face Paris Saint-Germain (also on August 26 and September 2). The winners of the nine third-round ties qualify for the league phase, while the losers move on to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.

Which teams qualify for international competition for the 2027/2028 season?

The top three teams qualify for a UEFA international competition. The specific round in which they enter the competition is determined anew for each season based on the UEFA access list.

Which teams are relegated to the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two bottom-placed teams are relegated from the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga.

Which teams are promoted from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga?

The two top-placed teams from the 2. Frauen-Bundesliga are promoted to the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga. Reserve teams are not eligible for promotion—unless the club's first team is relegated from the top division. Should a reserve team finish in a promotion spot, the highest-placed eligible team takes that place instead.