Bundesliga 2025-26 Season – Teams, Players, Fixtures & Prize Pool
Football fans, the wait is over for you. The much-anticipated Bundesliga 2025-26 is here. Get ready to enjoy their eccentric side of teams with corner kicks, penalties, and dribbles. It is one of the most thrilling football leagues with millions of supporters yearly. Known for its flamboyant appeal and affordable ticket prices, this German league is widely popular among fans. Every year, 18 teams are brought to the matches, making every move significant. Giants like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen inject relentless thrill and intensity. The upcoming league will have numerous pivotal moments, promising a thrilling season this year. Therefore, in detail, you will see the Bundesliga 2025-26’s major fixtures, matchdays, and formats in this article. So, stay connected with Bettingpremier for endless sports predictions and updates.
Bundesliga – The Great German Football League
Bundesliga is a premier men’s football league in Germany and one of the Big Five leagues. Its historical context is an entertaining story. This league was created in 1962 to refine competitiveness. It was a result of Germany’s underwhelming play in the FIFA. The inaugural season flourished with 16 teams participating in the league. After a while, it became one of the Big Five leagues, given its popularity in Europe. That year, FC Köln celebrated its inaugural victory. Spanning over 60 years in the run, it has featured several legendary players who have gained a remarkable spot. Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Manuel Neuer were some of the greatest players, shaping the team’s stature today. You can get constant Bundesliga updates and predictions from here.
The last season saw Bayern Munich get their 30th title just as usual, as it may seem. It was the 33rd crown in their glory, standing as one of the most prominent European clubs. This marked a strong return for the Bayern Munich squad after finishing 3rd in the previous season. Bayen’s dominance can be seen in the season as they have accumulated 99 goals. It gave them a higher difference of +67 goals. They have also got 82 points, keeping a 13-point gap from the runner-up Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen have performed better overall, but they couldn’t overcome the number of draws they collected during the season. But they have extended their away winning record to 34 with an unbeaten streak. Eintracht Frankfurt secured a historic third-place finish and Champions League qualification via league position for the first time.
Top-Tier Performances
Undoubtedly, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane stole the show. He delivered a sensational MVP in the previous season. Ultimately, he took home the Torjägerkanone for being the top scorer. Kane added eight assists, totaling 34 goal involvements. His single most impressive performance was the season’s talk of the town. Secondly, we have Florian Wirtz, showcasing his one-of-a-kind performance. He achieved double-digit goals and assists in multiple seasons. Finally, Serhou Guirassy’s prolific scoring spree earned him 21 goals. The Borussia Dortmund player started his spree in the second half of the season, netting 14 goals. He displayed an impressive efficiency with a high xG per non-penalty shot, increasing his transfer value even more. Moreover, Joshua Kimmich, Patrik Schick, and Johnathan Burkardt were some of this season’s top performers, getting the spotlight. In particular, Schick became the Czech’s all-time leading scorer. Need sensational football news and updates? Follow Bettingpremier.
Season’s Highlights
Bayern Munich’s title reclamation was the season’s biggest highlight. Fans went mad when Bayern lost the previous season, losing their longest winning streak. On the final day, Bayern Munich had only two matches to decide its fate. Ultimately, they won the title with two dominant wins against RB Leipzig and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. On the other hand, Leverkusen flaunted an exceptional away form where they stayed unbeaten for a long time. As a result, Leverkusen’s stature improved even more as a strong contender. Indeed, the relegation battle was intense until the final matchday. The league table’s bottom had significant stakes, as teams were fighting to get a playoff chance to avoid getting relegated. Eventually, Bochum and Holstein Kiel got dropped to Bundesliga 2, and Heidenheim secured a relegation playoff spot. These moments highlight the intense nature of these matches, further anticipating the following season.
Event Details – German Bundesliga 2025-26
Starting Date of Matchday 1: August 22, 2025.
Ending Date of Matchday 2: May 16, 2025.
International Breaks: September 1-9, 2025 | October 6-14, 2025 | November 10-18, 2025.
Winter Break: December 22, 2025, to January 9, 2026
DFB-Pokal First Round: August 15-18, 2025 & August 26-27, 2025
DFB-Pokal Final: May 23, 2026
Bundesliga 2025-26 Format
The season 2025-26 follows a traditional format. 18 clubs will engage in the league, where each has to face every other team twice. As we know, one is at home and one is away. Eventually, it leads to a total of 34 fixtures throughout the season. The league starts on August 22, 2025, and extends to May 16, 2025. Additionally, it includes a month and a half winter break.
Point Systems and Tie-breakers
The ‘Rules of the Game’ provide 3 points for every win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. This rule is obvious, as it can be observed in every major football league. Eventually, at the end of the season, as we know, the team that has more points gets the crown. Unlike direct entry rounds, this format is often cited as the fairest way to crown the truly deserving team. Several other methods are used for tie-breaks. For instance, tie-breaking factors are considered if two teams finish with the same points, starting with a goal difference. Number of goals scored, head-to-head results, away goals, away wins, and the UEFA Club Coefficient are a few other factors.
European Qualification
The top four teams in the league automatically qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage. Moreover, the league position and DFB-Pokal tournaments decide further places for the UEFA Europa League and Conference League. Suppose the DFB-Pokal winner has already secured Champions League qualification through league position. The chance does not go for them. Instead, it shifts to the team that finishes sixth in the league. Likewise, the Conference League spot goes to the team that finishes seventh in the league.
Where can I watch
The Bundesliga 2025-26 season can be streamed across various locations. Here’s where you can watch the Bundesliga 2025-26.
You can watch the upcoming German football league on Sky Deutschland in Germany.
In the US, you can stream these fixtures on ESPN & ESPN+.
Indian fans can watch the German league matches on Sony Sports & the SonyLIV app.
Canadians, you can enjoy Bundesliga 2025-26 on DAZN. Don’t miss it.
If you’re from England, you can stream all Bundesliga matches on the Sky Sports app.
In Australia, beIN SPORTS will bring you the German fixtures.
For Spanish fans, DAZN has the exclusive rights to broadcast the Bundesliga 2025-26 season.
Sky Italia backs you with the Bundesliga’s exclusive Italian coverage. Enjoy the peak football fever from the Bundesliga.
Notable Teams and Players for the Upcoming Season
The 2025-26 Bundesliga season features 18 familiar teams aiming for the German Championship and European opportunities. Bayern enters the league with an unshakable confidence of conquering its rivals. After securing a threatening victory and marking their 33rd trophy, the Bayern squad has strengthened its team spirit even more. VfB Stuttgart, the previous season’s DFB Pokal winners, and Bayer Leverkusen, the second-place finishers, will be strong contenders. They proved their worth last season, making their games more significant. Leverkusen, under new coach Erik Ten Hag, faces a rebuilding challenge after the farewell of several key players. The absence of key players such as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong leaves the team void of expertise. However, additions like Jarell Quansah and Mark Flekken will put the squad at ease. Each team brings its pride and tactical approaches to what promises to be an exciting season.
Relegations & Promotions
At the previous season’s end, teams that finished in 17th and 18th positions were relegated to the 2 Bundesliga. These teams were Holstein Kiel and VfL Bochum, who could not secure enough points to maintain their top-flight status. Moreover, Heidenheim faced a relegation playoff with the team finishing 2nd in the 2 Bundesliga league. Luckily, they secured their 2025-26 opportunity with a victory in this intense showdown. On the other hand, we had two teams from the 2 Bundesliga to play in the upcoming season. 1. FC Köln and Hamburger SV secured the top two spots in the 2. Bundesliga. Hence, they earned their passage into the 2025-26 campaign.
Rule Changes
The upcoming German Bundesliga has implemented several minor changes this year. Here they are:
Eight-Second Rule for Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers should release the ball within 8 seconds of controlling it within the penalty area. In case of a violation, the opponent team will be rewarded with a corner kick.
Captains Only Rule
Only the designated captains can advocate for the team’s behavior with referees.
Double Touch on Penalty Kicks
An accidental double touch in the penalty kicks by the offender results in a retaken penalty. This rule still applies even if the kick is not a goal.
VAR Announcements
Now, the referees can announce and explain the VAR decisions in the stadium, assuring transparency in the process.
Dropped Ball Procedure
When action halts inside the penalty box, the restart comes with a drop to the defending keeper. If the stoppage happens elsewhere, possession resumes with a drop ball to the side that previously controlled it. By any chance, if possession isn’t clear, then it’s dropped for the team that last touched the ball.
Bundesliga 2025-26 – Fixtures
Matchday
Dates
Matchday 1
22–24 August 2025
Matchday 2
29-31 August 2025
Matchday 3
12-14 September 2025
Matchday 4
19-21 September 2025
Matchday 5
26-28 September 2025
Matchday 6
3-5 October 2025
Matchday 7
17-19 October 2025
Matchday 8
24-26 October 2025
Matchday 9
31 October – 2 Nov 2025
Matchday 10
7-9 November 2025
Matchday 11
21-23 November 2025
Matchday 12
28-30 November 2025
Matchday 13
5-7 December 2025
Matchday 14
12-14 December 2025
Matchday 15
19-21 December 2025
Matchday 16
9-11 January 2026
Matchday 17
13-15 January 2026
Matchday 18
16-18 January 2026
Matchday 19
23-25 January 2026
Matchday 20
30 January – 1 Feb 2026
Matchday 21
6-8 February 2026
Matchday 22
13-15 February 2026
Matchday 23
20-22 February 2026
Matchday 24
27 February – 1 March 2026
Matchday 25
6-8 March 2026
Matchday 26
13-15 March 2026
Matchday 27
20-22 March 2026
Matchday 28
4-5 April 2026
Matchday 29
10-12 April 2026
Matchday 30
17-19 April 2026
Matchday 31
24-26 April 2026
Matchday 32
2-3 May 2026
Matchday 33
8-10 May 2026
Matchday 34
16 May 2026
Teams That Participate in the Bundesliga 2025-26
Teams
2024-25 Season Outcome
FC Augsburg
Remained in the League
Union Berlin
Remained in the League
Werder Bremen
Remained in the League
Borussia Dortmund
Remained in the League
Eintracht Frankfurt
Remained in the League
SC Freiburg
Remained in the League
Hamburger SV
Promoted from 2. Bundesliga
1. FC Heidenheim
Remained in the League (via Play-off)
TSG Hoffenheim
Remained in the League
1. FC Köln
Promoted from 2. Bundesliga
RB Leipzig
Remained in the League
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Remained in the League
1. FSV Mainz 05
Remained in the League
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Remained in the League
Bayern Munich
Remained in Bundesliga (Champions)
FC St. Pauli
Remained in the League
VfB Stuttgart
Remained in the League
VfL Wolfsburg
Remained in the League
Prize Pool
League Position
Prize Money in€
1st (Champion, UCL spot)
76.50 million
2nd (UCL spot)
75.00 million
3rd (UCL spot)
72.00 million
4th (UCL spot)
71.25 million
5th (UCL spot)
70.00 million
6th (UEL spot)
67.75 million
7th (UEL spot)
65.60 million
8th (UEFA Champions League spot)
63.50 million
9th
60.20 million
10th
59.75 million
11th
55.00 million
12th
53.40 million
13th
49.50 million
14th
46.00 million
15th
43.50 million
16th (Relegation zone)
41.75 million
17th (Relegated)
35.50 million
18th (Relegated)
31.75 million
What to Expect
The upcoming league is highly competitive and is expected to be more fierce than the previous one. Additionally, the signings of Luis Díaz and Jonathan Tah bolster the Bayern squad, promising more action. Moreover, rivals like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig are expected to light up the season with dramatic encounters. Changes in team dynamics, such as new signings, old players’ departures, and managers’ changes, raise more questions. Hence, this season will provide fresh yet familiar entertainment. Above all, teams like Eintracht Frankfurt and DFB-Pokal winners VfB Stuttgart are getting more attention this year. This season is one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent matches.