More playing time for talents: DFL introduces additional U21 Competition
The DFL Members Assembly has decided to introduce an additional U21 competition for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs starting from the 2026/27 season.
Last year, in addition to its work with the DFL Football Commission and the DFL Youth Academy Commission, the DFL established an expert group that temporarily brings together representatives from the DFL, clubs, the German Football Association (DFB), and external specialists.
The aim is to identify key development priorities for German professional football and to develop corresponding recommendations for action. As a first concrete measure, an additional U21 competition for the transition area is now being introduced.
With this, the Members Assembly is following a recommendation developed by the expert group and closely coordinated with the DFL commissions, which was also unanimously endorsed by the DFL Executive Committee.
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Voluntary additional offer for all Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs
The new competition is designed as a voluntary additional offer for all Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs to support the transition from youth to adult football, and complements the existing league system without requiring the removal of second teams.
Participation does not require additional teams but is aimed at players already in the transition age groups from U17 to U21. Each team may also field up to four older players, in order to specifically promote young talents and, for example, facilitate the return of injured players after longer breaks.
The format incorporates two independent series in a league mode, with the best teams from each qualifying for a final tournament. Flexible squad registration and variable scheduling of matches within the respective period offer clubs a high degree of flexibility.
In addition, matches can be played at neutral venues to keep financial and time burdens as low as possible. The games will be held behind closed doors to minimise organisational effort. For the final tournament in summer 2027, hosting with spectators and media coverage is being considered.
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Important factor for the future competitiveness and attractiveness of the Bundesliga
DFL CEO Marc Lenz: “Top-level youth development is an important factor for the future competitiveness and attractiveness of the Bundesliga. However, the results in the youth and transition areas in recent years have not been sufficient.
"A lack of meaningful playing time for young talents is one of the reasons identified by experts and commissions. With the new additional U21 competition, we are creating an immediate additional opportunity to give talents more playing time at a competitive level and to specifically extend their training period. Further measures must and will follow.”
With today’s adoption of the competition regulations, the legal basis for holding the competition has been established. Binding registration of clubs for participation will take place in June 2026, after all details have been set out in the implementing regulations.
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