Overview
- The 2. Bundesliga will open on Friday, August 7, 2026, with VfL Bochum hosting Hertha BSC, and the Bundesliga will begin on Friday, August 28, 2026.
- The DFL's framework fixes matchday windows for the full season with matchdays 1–16 from August 7 to December 20, 2026, a winter break from December 21 to January 14, 2027, and matchdays 17–34 from January 15 to May 23, 2027.
- Exact kick-off times are being released in stages: the first four Bundesliga matchdays and the first two 2. Bundesliga matchdays have precise times while later rounds are listed only as pairings for now.
- Broadcast rights are settled for the 2. Bundesliga with Sky showing all 306 matches, RTL/ran carrying selected free-TV matches and conferences, and ARD/ZDF providing highlights and summaries.
- The confirmed league lists include relegated clubs such as VfL Wolfsburg, FC St. Pauli and 1. FC Heidenheim plus promoted sides VfL Osnabrück and Energie Cottbus, and media outlets are publishing downloadable season planners to help fans plan travel and viewing as kick-off times are finalised.