The board and management of SV Darmstadt 98 are appealing to the Technical University of Darmstadt with the urgent request to reconsider the planned closure of the Institute for Sports Science and to ensure the continued existence of this institution, which is so important for the city of Darmstadt and the region.
The Institute of Sports Science at TU Darmstadt has been an integral part of academic and sports education in southern Hesse for decades. Its graduates not only shape school sports and university teaching, but also make an indispensable contribution to clubs, associations, and the development of young athletes in the region. Thus, the institute’s influence extends far beyond the university, reaching into society, the city, and club sports. SV Darmstadt 98 has also repeatedly benefited from this.
The planned closure would have far-reaching negative consequences:
• This would create a significant gap in teacher training in the subject of sports, which would lead to a shortage of qualified sports teachers in the long term.
• Club sports would lose an important partner who brings scientific expertise, commitment and fresh young talent into practice.
• For society as a whole, this meant a loss of knowledge, movement skills, and health-promoting education – topics that are more important today than ever before.
We understand the economic challenges facing the Technical University of Darmstadt. Nevertheless, we would like to emphasise that investments in education, physical activity, and health are always investments in the future of our society. Cutting back on these initiatives would be a step in the wrong direction, especially in a city characterised by sports, science, and community spirit.
SV Darmstadt 98 expressly acknowledges its social responsibility. Education and knowledge transfer are a key pillar of our sustainability strategy, and we view our collaboration with TU Darmstadt—particularly with the Institute of Sports Science—as a valuable and forward-looking partnership. We therefore urge you to work with the city, the state, and regional partners to find ways to maintain and further develop the institute.
The Executive Board and Management of SV Darmstadt 98 e.V.
Attention Lilien fans: During SV Darmstadt 98’s training camp in Bad Wörishofen (Allgäu region)—taking place from July 19th to July 26th, 2026—there will once again be an opportunity to meet the team, chat with the players, and, of course, get autographs and photos. The fan meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th, following the friendly match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. Kick-off for the match is at 12pm.
SV 98 remains active in the transfer market. The "Lilies" have signed Christopher Lannert from Arminia Bielefeld.
Friendly matches, fundraising campaigns, and plenty of photos—that’s what the week looked like for SV 98 and the club’s community. Between their 5–1 victory over FC Homburg and the upcoming friendly in Walldorf this Friday (July 17), the „Lilies“ showed their best side for the cameras. In addition, the SV 98 legends team will face an Odenwald select squad on Sunday (July 19th). You can also win great prizes in competitions taking place in Erbach and at the pop-up store in downtown Darmstadt. Lilies Across the Board brings you all the latest news from life at SV 98.
The Bundesliga finalised the match schedules for matchdays three through six on Wednesday (July 15th): Darmstadt's home game against Hannover 96 on matchday three will take place on Sunday. This will be followed by their away game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern on Saturday at 1pm. The home game against Arminia Bielefeld on Friday evening and the away game in Wolfsburg, also on Friday evening, have also been confirmed.
The Lilies can welcome another new arrival at the Böllenfalltor: Florian Kleinhansl will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 25-year-old joins on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with 1. FC Kaiserslautern on June 30th.
Third test, third clear victory. SV 98 won the match against FC 08 Homburg 5-1 (3-0).
SV Darmstadt 98 and the fusion energy company Focused Energy are entering into an official partnership. The aim of the collaboration is to more closely link top-level football and high technology from the Darmstadt region and to jointly generate momentum for innovation and future societal issues.
Killian Corredor will be playing in his home country again in the future. SV 98 has reached an agreement with FC Nantes on the transfer of the Frenchman.
On Tuesday (July 14, 6pm), SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Regionalliga side FC Homburg and asks fans to take note of the following information.
A home game against KSV! SV Darmstadt 98 hosts Holstein Kiel for the opening matchday of the 2. Bundesliga season this Saturday (August 8 at 1pm). Here’s how you can be there: the member pre-sale for the new season's first home game begins this coming Wednesday (July 15) at 12pm —available online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion, as usual. You can find all further details in this announcement.
For every home goal scored by the "Lilies," SV Darmstadt 98 fans were doubly rewarded during the recent 2025/26 second-division season. Beyond the joy and excitement, supporters received 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every goal Darmstadt scored at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
In recent days, various media outlets have published reports and graphics regarding the distribution of TV revenue for the 2026/27 season. Some of these reports included not only specific figures but also a comparison to the previous season. This comparison indicates a supposed revenue increase of €1.4 million for SV 98 compared to the 2025/26 season.