Within German football, there is a broader debate about balancing investment in women's football with current budgets and the risk of diverting funds from men's budgets.

The investment is presented as a driver for professionalization and revenue growth through sponsorship and TV deals, addressing the gaps in current revenues and deficits.

Top clubs such as Bayern Munich are expected to lead growth, leveraging strong brands, youth systems, and sponsorship/TV deals to boost profitability of the league.

There is a significant risk to Bundesliga competitiveness if reform and investment do not curb talent drain or fail to deliver improved attendance, prize money, and broadcast deals.

The DFB plans a major push to professionalize the Frauen-Bundesliga with a total of 100 million euros in investments over eight years starting in 2026, and the league will operate as its own joint venture owned by the DFB and the 14 clubs.

To implement the plan, the DFB and all 14 Frauen-Bundesliga clubs will form a joint venture under the DFB GmbH & Co. KG to oversee the new league structure and professionalization efforts.

This investment and reform are framed as a decisive strategy to grow women's football in Germany, balancing professionalization with sustainable budgeting.

Club executives are divided over spending levels, with some arguing for higher investment despite smaller current profits, while others urge restraint and tie spending to actual income growth.

Top German players are already leaving for higher salaries abroad, underscored by moves like Jule Brand to Lyon, which signals the urgency of keeping talent domestically.

The looming risk of market competitiveness loss is highlighted as players may migrate for better pay, intensifying the financial challenges facing German clubs.

By contrast, the English WSL and Arsenal are cited as financial exemplars in attendance and revenue, while the German league generated about 31 million euros in revenue for 2023/24.

Internal assessments suggest infrastructure and development costs could range from 300 to 700 million euros over the period, implying the DFB’s 12.5 million euros per year may be insufficient by itself.