The Independent Licensing Commission made its decision today, Wednesday, regarding the granting of licenses for both professional leagues and has informed the Executive Board of the HBL e. V. as well as the clubs about the licensing decisions for the upcoming season. The good news from the HBL office in Cologne: All 36 applicants will receive a license for the 2026/27 season, subject to meeting the sporting qualifications. The season will officially open on August 22, 2026, with the Rexel Super Cup at the SAP Garden in Munich.
The financial stability of the Handball Bundesliga clubs, already attested to in last year’s licensing process, has continued to improve despite the difficult overall economic situation; this positive development was confirmed by this year’s review process. There were no negative licensing decisions; only a few clubs must meet certain requirements over the course of the upcoming season, which shows that the Bundesliga clubs are, on the whole, on the right track.
“Receiving the license without conditions for the upcoming season fills us with great joy and pride. Because it is anything but a given. Behind it lies year after year of hard work to represent our region with dignity in top-level national and international handball. All of this is only possible through strong teamwork. That is why we thank our shareholders, partners, fans, and all our supporters. Their commitment, loyalty, and trust sustain the SG—in good times and in challenging times alike. This special foundation of passion, solidarity, and reliability gives us the confidence to continue on our chosen path and to further develop the SG in a sustainable and competitive manner in the future,” said SG Managing Director Holger Glandorf.
Rolf Nottmeier, Chairman of the Licensing Commission, emphasized that the clubs have consistently continued the reduction of negative equity required by the licensing regulations.
The Licensing Commission of the Handball-Bundesliga e. V. made its decisions after reviewing the submitted documents and conducting constructive licensing discussions with the license applicants. As part of the licensing process, the financial viability of the clubs is reviewed. Infrastructural and legal criteria are also reviewed. The licensing procedure ensures economic stability, fair competition, and integrity for German professional handball.
In addition to Chairman Rolf Nottmeier, Director of the Minden Labor Court, the Licensing Commission includes Olaf Rittmeier (tax consultant), Frank Bohmann (HBL Managing Director), and Mattes Rogowski (HBL Executive Board Member for Sports & Licensing). The Commission is supported by Marie Küppers (Manager of Game Organization, Sports Development, and Licensing at HBL GmbH).