The 9 most important changes for the new Bundesliga season | OneFootball

Ball

Adidas—not Derbystar—will now supply the official match ball. The Herzogenaurach-based company is thus marking its comeback; its logo already appeared on the ball from 2010–11 through 2017–18. The contract runs through 2034. Borussia Dortmund will, of course, continue to be outfitted by PUMA!

Getting There

We recommend traveling to SIGNAL IDUNA PARK by public transportation, fan buses, on foot, or by bike.

The admission tickets include a public transit ticket for one round trip, valid throughout the entire transit network in North Rhine-Westphalia.

If you can’t do without your own car, you should leave early and be sure to follow the directions provided by the parking guidance system in the event area. Experience has shown that delays can occur during arrival and departure. Starting with the 2026/27 season, parking permits will be available exclusively online. They will no longer be sold on-site at the parking lot entrances!

International Matches

Instead of three nine-day international breaks in the fall, there will now be one 16-day break and one nine-day break. The two windows in September and October will be combined into one long window, starting at the end of September. This means the Bundesliga will take a break not just for one, but for two weekends. The nine-day period in November remains unchanged, as do the international breaks in March and June.

League

The DFL will no longer exist under this name starting with the new season. Following a decision by the 36 first- and second-division clubs, the German Soccer League will now simply be called “Bundesliga.” This is intended to create greater uniformity and distinctiveness, as well as improve its international profile.

Midweek Matches

The Bundesliga schedule includes two “midweek” matchdays: immediately after the winter break and in early March. These matches are once again spread over three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), rather than two as in the past.

No-Show Rate

Season ticket holders must attend 14 of the 17 Bundesliga home games. This stems from the desire of BVB and its fans to always play matches in Germany’s largest stadium in front of a full house and to enable as many fans as possible to attend the games. Despite the “no-show rate” that already existed, the number of unused tickets was too high. The privilege of holding a season ticket should not be exploited at the expense of other fans. If the change to the “no-show rate” does not result in an improvement, further adjustments will be made to the existing rules for the 2027–2028 season. The “no-show rate” does not apply to blocks 11 through 14 and 82. Purchases on the secondary market count as “attended home games.”

Time-Wasting

As was the case at the World Cup, a few new rules will also apply in the Bundesliga. First and foremost, time-wasting is to be further curbed—through countdowns for goal kicks and throw-ins, time limits on substitutions, and mandatory one-minute breaks for players receiving medical treatment. Goalkeepers may control the ball with their hands or arms for eight seconds.

Turf

A hybrid turf—a mixture of synthetic (16%) and natural fibers (84%)—has been in place since the summer of 2025 and underwent a partial renewal: The natural fibers were cut away at the start of the summer break and then freshly seeded, ensuring that the first team has perfect conditions.

VAR

Cologne’s Keller Stadium will enter its final season before the move in 2026/27. A trial run in the new facility at the DFB Campus in Frankfurt am Main will begin as early as the second half of the season. New: In the future, VAR will also be allowed to correct yellow-red cards and corner kick decisions.