The 2026-27 Bundesliga season begins on August 28 with defending champions Bayern Munich hosting Stuttgart. Borussia Dortmund will face Hamburg, while newcomers Elversberg will play at home against Bayer Leverkusen. The Women's Bundesliga commenced on August 21, with Bayern Munich defeating Union Berlin. Stuttgart and Mainz have joined the league this year, replacing Carl Zeiss Jena and Essen, who were relegated.
The domestic men's season starts with the first round of the German Cup, which took place the week before the league season. Heidenheim, a former Bundesliga team, lost to fourth-division team Jeddeloh in a notable upset. Bayern and Dortmund will have their first round games delayed due to their matchup in the German Super Cup, which Bayern won.
The first 'Klassiker' of the season is scheduled for the end of October in Munich. The winter break will commence after the 14th game on December 20, with the league resuming on January 8, followed by midweek games.
New rules from the World Cup will be implemented in the Bundesliga, including a five-second countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins. Substitutes will have 10 seconds to exit the pitch, or the new player must wait for a break in play. VAR will also be involved in decisions regarding second yellow cards and corner kicks. Players covering their mouths during disputes may receive a yellow card, a change from the previous red card rule. Hydration breaks will not be introduced.
This season features a longer international break, merging September's and October's breaks into a three-week hiatus from September 24 to October 4, pausing Bundesliga action for 16 days. The November break will remain nine days.
Notable summer signings include Nathaniel Brown from Frankfurt to Bayern Munich, and Ismael Saibari as a backup to Harry Kane. Dortmund acquired Konstantinos Karetsas for €30 million from KRC Genk, while Gladbach's Rocco Reitz transferred to RB Leipzig. Hoffenheim welcomed 18-year-old Nathan De Cat, and Leverkusen signed Afonso Moreira for €32 million.
Departures include Leon Goretzka from Bayern Munich, who is reportedly joining Aston Villa, and Niklas Süle, who has retired from professional football. Julian Brandt moved to Ajax, and Bazoumana Toure transferred to Newcastle for €50 million. Johan Manzambi left Freiburg for Aston Villa for €60 million.
This season marks the return of three new teams to the Bundesliga: Elversberg, Schalke, and Paderborn. Wolfsburg was relegated for the first time in their history. Four coaching changes occurred, with Mauro Lustrinelli replacing Marie-Louise Eta at Union Berlin, Adi Hütter returning to Eintracht Frankfurt, Carles Martinez Novell taking over at Bayer Leverkusen, and Martin Demichelis becoming the new coach at RB Leipzig.
Karetsas and De Cat are among the young talents to watch, while Kennet Eichhorn, who transferred to Bayer Leverkusen, is recovering from an injury and may debut in 2027.