Report reveals 26 clubs for new German U-21 league
| Bayern teenager Bara Sapoko Ndiaye could be among the players to gain valuable playing time in the new league. | Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images |
After it was announced in March that the German Football League (DFL) will launch a new U-21 league for the 2026/27 season, a report from Kicker has now unveiled further details.
According to the German outlet, a total of 26 clubs have signed up to take part in the inaugural edition of the “Bundesliga Talent Series”, as the project is currently called.
From the Bundesliga, the following clubs will be involved: 1. FC Union Berlin, Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, SV Elversberg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburger SV, RB Leipzig, Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern Munich, SC Paderborn and FC Schalke 04.
The following clubs from the 2. Bundesliga have also signed up for the league: Hertha BSC, Arminia Bielefeld, VfL Bochum, Eintracht Braunschweig, Energie Cottbus, Darmstadt 98, Dynamo Dresden, SpVgg Greuther Fürth, Hannover 96, 1. FC Heidenheim, Holstein Kiel, 1. FC Magdeburg, 1. FC Nürnberg, FC St. Pauli and VfL Wolfsburg.
According to Kicker, the DFL are likely satisfied with the number of participants, with 15-16 clubs initially considered the minimum target.
The competition will begin in September in a Swiss league-style format, similar to the new Champions League model, and will be split into two half-seasons.
The top two teams from each half-season (September-December and February-April) will qualify for a final tournament, which – unlike the league matches – will be played in front of fans.
Initially, no spectators will be allowed in regular matches to keep costs and organisational effort low. Scheduling and venues will be flexible, and neutral venues may be used.
Squad rules will also be flexible, but players are primarily expected to be in the U17-U21 age groups. A limited number of older players may be allowed, for example to regain match fitness after injury and ease their return to senior squads.
