Borussia Dortmund publishes 2025/2026 Sustainability Statement | OneFootball

After BVB became the first German professional soccer club to report in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in September 2025, Borussia Dortmund is reinforcing its strategic ambition with this second ESRS-based report to continuously develop its professional and long-standing ESG management and gradually embed it as a cross-functional priority throughout the entire organization.

In doing so, BVB does not turn a blind eye to current geopolitical and social realities: the public and media debate surrounding the concept of “sustainability” has noticeably lost significance. At a time when reporting requirements are under political scrutiny, companies are scaling back their ESG communications, and the term itself has become a contentious one, Borussia Dortmund is making a conscious decision: keep going.

“As an important X-ray view into our own company, the sustainability statement is of great significance to us. At Borussia Dortmund, responsibility isn’t a campaign that can be turned on and off depending on the mood of the moment - it’s an essential part of our DNA. Anyone who regularly reaches millions of fans and 81,365 people in Germany’s largest stadium serves as a role model, regardless of whether the topic is currently in the spotlight or not. Our new report presents our progress and areas for improvement in a very transparent, credible, and comprehensive manner,” explains Carsten Cramer, Chairman of the Executive Board at Borussia Dortmund.

The core of our work continues to be based on the firm conviction that responsible conduct and business success are not opposites, but rather mutually reinforcing. This report serves as further evidence that our strategic approach is gradually making BVB more resource-efficient and resilient.

“We are very pleased that being in the second year of our ESRS reporting, we are able to demonstrate not just mere data points, but above all substantial and verifiable progress. For me, it is essential that we also disclose where we still have room for improvement. After all, our overarching goal is clearly defined: to continuously improve and become more efficient in our daily operations at all levels,” explains Marieke Philippi, Head of Corporate Responsibility at BVB.

A central principle of all activities remains the external perspective. A key principle underpinning all our activities remains the outside perspective. For Borussia Dortmund, the stakeholders’ perspective is and will continue to be a genuine source of insight. Social responsibility is a cornerstone for BVB as an employer, in our corporate culture, and in matters of equal opportunity.

“In the public eye, sustainability is often reduced to issues like energy and emissions. For us, however, it begins above all with our responsibility toward the people who keep this club going every day. The ongoing dialogue and interaction with our employees, fans, and members ultimately determine whether we will be successful in the long term. Our new sustainability statement clearly and concisely demonstrates that we take our commitment seriously through concrete goals and measures and will continue to embed it within the company with the help of professional structures,” adds BVB Managing Director Svenja Schlenker. Above all, these activities include our tireless efforts to combat antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination. All of this remains an unshakable part of BVB’s identity. As part of the “United by Borussia” initiative, the club has been pursuing this path for over ten years – with conviction, dedication, and a self-imposed commitment to letting our actions speak louder than our words.