Bayern Munich Makes Landmark Investment: Secures Former Bundesliga Stadium for Women's Team

Munich, Germany – FC Bayern Munich has finalized the acquisition of Sportpark Unterhaching, a move set to transform the landscape for its highly successful women's football team. The landmark purchase of the 15,000-capacity stadium, formerly home to Bundesliga club SpVgg Unterhaching, underscores Bayern's significant commitment to the professionalization and growth of women's football in Germany and beyond. This strategic investment provides the reigning German champions with a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility, marking a pivotal moment in the club's history and for the sport.

A New Home for Champions: Sportpark Unterhaching

The Sportpark Unterhaching, situated in the southern outskirts of Munich, officially transitions to ownership by Allianz Arena Stadion GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of FC Bayern München AG, starting January 1, 2026. The deal, reportedly valued at approximately €7.5 million, secures a significantly upgraded home for the Bayern women's team. This acquisition follows the municipal council of Unterhaching's approval of the sale, with the official notarization completed recently.

Previously, the Bayern women's team primarily played at the FC Bayern Campus, a facility with a limited capacity of only 2,000 to 2,500 seats. While select high-profile matches have occasionally been hosted at the Allianz Arena, drawing crowds of nearly 58,000 spectators for events like their 2025/26 Bundesliga debut against Bayer Leverkusen, such arrangements were not sustainable for regular league or cup fixtures. The Sportpark Unterhaching, with its 15,000 seats—including over 8,000 seated spots—offers a substantial increase in capacity and improved infrastructure.

The stadium itself boasts a rich history, having been the home ground for SpVgg Unterhaching, a club that notably competed in the Bundesliga between 1999 and 2001. Its facilities include three training pitches and a clubhouse, providing a comprehensive environment for professional football operations. This move addresses the urgent need for a dedicated venue that meets modern professional standards and accommodates the burgeoning fan base of the Bayern women's team.

Elevating Women's Football Standards and Addressing Demand

The acquisition of Sportpark Unterhaching is a direct response to the escalating success and growing popularity of Bayern Munich's women's team. The team has secured three consecutive German top-flight league titles, demonstrating consistent excellence on the field. This sustained high performance has generated increased interest and attendance, making the previous home at the FC Bayern Campus insufficient for both domestic and international competitions.

A primary driver for the move is the necessity to meet UEFA requirements for hosting Women's Champions League fixtures. The limited capacity and infrastructure at the Bayern Campus rendered it unsuitable for European competition, often forcing the team to seek alternative venues. With vital infrastructure adjustments planned for the Sportpark Unterhaching, the stadium will become the designated venue for all FC Bayern Women's matches and training sessions, including Champions League home games, starting from the 2026/2027 season.

Bayern's honorary president, Uli Hoeneß, acknowledged the challenges in generating large attendances for women's football in Germany compared to other nations, stating the need "to bang the drum to get 20,000 spectators." However, he expressed confidence that a larger, dedicated stadium would "open new opportunities and improve attendance," reflecting a belief in the sport's potential. This investment signifies a proactive step to capitalize on the increasing momentum of women's football, providing a professional stage commensurate with the team's achievements.

Strategic Vision and Long-Term Club Commitment

FC Bayern's leadership views this acquisition as a fundamental component of their long-term strategy for women's football. Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO of FC Bayern, emphasized the significance of the purchase, stating, "The acquisition of the Unterhaching sports park is another milestone in the overall development of our FC Bayern women's team." He reiterated the club's strong belief in women's football, asserting that "otherwise we wouldn't be taking this step," and highlighted the intent to send a clear signal to German football regarding the sport's importance.

The club plans for the Sportpark Unterhaching to become the central hub for the entire FC Bayern women's football program in the medium term, encompassing both matches and training activities. This comprehensive approach underscores a commitment beyond simply providing a matchday venue; it aims to foster a professional environment that supports the team's sustained success and development. The move also includes plans for renovations to ensure the venue meets all modern demands of professional football. This forward-looking investment positions Bayern Munich at the forefront of clubs dedicated to advancing women's football, mirroring the resources and infrastructure typically associated with elite men's teams.

Impact on SpVgg Unterhaching and Community Engagement

The decision to sell the Sportpark Unterhaching arose after its current occupant, SpVgg Unterhaching, a fourth-tier club, let its option to purchase the stadium expire due to financial constraints. SpVgg Unterhaching's president, Manni Schwabl, noted the substantial investments required for maintenance and upgrades, including floodlights, lighting parameters, safety issues, and pitch heating, which they "weren't sure we could manage." Despite the sale, SpVgg Unterhaching's first team will continue to play their home games at the Sportpark, ensuring continuity for the local community.

The acquisition by Bayern Munich not only provides a solution for SpVgg Unterhaching's financial challenges related to stadium upkeep but also promises enhanced infrastructure that will benefit all users. The collaboration between the two clubs, which have maintained professional ties and partnerships over the years, facilitated a smooth transition. The expanded capacity and improved facilities are expected to attract more spectators, fostering greater community engagement and providing a more vibrant atmosphere for women's football. This shared use model demonstrates a collaborative approach to sports infrastructure within the region.

A New Era for Women's Football

FC Bayern Munich's acquisition of Sportpark Unterhaching represents a significant step forward not just for the club's women's team, but for women's football in Germany as a whole. This decisive investment addresses critical needs for professionalization, infrastructure, and fan engagement, aligning with the growing global trend of elevating the women's game. By providing a dedicated, high-capacity stadium, Bayern is setting a new standard, affirming its commitment to nurturing talent and expanding the reach of women's football, and signaling a new era of ambition and support for its female athletes.