SV Darmstadt 98 and Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg are further expanding their long-standing partnership. By becoming a premium partner, both parties are sending a clear message to the region: Together, they want to support young people, strengthen youth football, and offer even more opportunities for children and families in southern Hesse.
The focus of the collaboration is on joint projects that promote physical activity, community, and social participation. With their increased commitment, SV Darmstadt 98 and Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg are making targeted investments in youth development and jointly making a sustainable contribution to the region’s growth.
Another key focus is on talent development. Sparkasse is acquiring the naming rights to the former „Software AG-Lilien-Fördertraining“ (Software AG Lilies Development Training), which will now be known as Sparkassen-Lilien-Fördertraining (Sparkassen Lilies Development Training). Furthermore, it will become the title partner of the Sparkassen-Lilien-Talenttag (Sparkassen Lilies Talent Day), support the „Bölle Bande“ Kids Club, and partner with the „Im Zeichen der Lilie“ (Under the Sign of the Lily) social campaign. This will support and encourage children and young people both on and off the pitch.
As a premium partner, Sparkasse is also expanding its presence at home matches. In addition to advertising and logo placement, the partnership includes digital initiatives, hospitality services, and access to the ENTEGA VIP Lounge for select events.
Sparkasse will also be the title partner of the Sparkasse’s Kids Club „Bölle Bande“ and will support the „Im Zeichen der Lilie“ (Under the Sign of the Lily) social campaign. Martin Kowalewski, Managing Director of SV Darmstadt 98: “We have enjoyed a reliable partnership with Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg for many years, one that goes far beyond traditional sponsorship. We are delighted that we can jointly develop programs such as the Sparkasse-Lilien Development Training, the Sparkasse-Lilien Talent Day, and our Kids Club Bölle Bande.”
Volker Harr, Vice President of SV Darmstadt 98: “As the largest sports club in southern Hesse, we want to inspire people to get involved in sports. For this, we need partners who share this responsibility. Sparkasse Darmstadt und Dieburg has supported us for years with complete conviction. Their increased commitment allows us to offer children and young people in the region even more sustainable football and educational opportunities.”
Dr. Sascha Ahnert, CEO of Sparkasse Darmstadt and Dieburg: “SV Darmstadt 98 and Sparkasse Darmstadt and Dieburg both stand for a strong connection to the region. By expanding our partnership, we are not only supporting young football talent, but also jointly creating opportunities for children and young people that extend far beyond sports. This is an investment in the future of our business area.”
For the second year in a row, the "Lilies" are holding their summer training camp in Bad Wörishofen in the Allgäu region. SV 98 will be hard at work in this Kneipp spa town until July 26th, preparing for the upcoming season. In our diary, we’ll take you along through the days at the training camp.
A special experience awaits Darmstadt 98 fans: One week before the start of the season, SV Darmstadt 98 will host the traditional English club Portsmouth FC, and this year, once again, you have a very special opportunity. You can experience the match on Saturday (August 1st/2pm) from the exclusive 98ers' box on the upper level of the main stand at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor and enjoy an unforgettable home game with international guests and a fantastic atmosphere.
During the afternoon session, Paul Fernie commented on various personnel matters. We have summarised his statements for you.
SV 98 will welcome a new face at their training camp in Bad Wörishofen. The Lilies have signed Carlo Sickinger from SV Elversberg.
SV Darmstadt 98's first away match of the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season takes them to the Saxon capital: As part of the second matchday, the Lilies will face SG Dynamo Dresden on Sunday (August 16th) at 1:30pm. Here's how you can be there: Member pre-sale for this match starts next Wednesday (July 22nd) at 12pm – both online and at the ticket office at the Merck Stadium. You can find all further information in this announcement.
The U21 team of SV Darmstadt 98 can welcome a familiar face to their ranks for the upcoming season: Yannick Stark will play for the Lilies in the Hessenliga in the future.
SV Darmstadt 98 won their fourth pre-season friendly. The Lilies defeated regional league side FC-Astoria Walldorf 4-1 (0-0) after 120 minutes.
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.
