At the end of the current season, the partnership between SV Darmstadt 98 and Software AG, which has grown over many years, will end due to a strategic realignment of the software company.
Against this backdrop, both partners have mutually agreed to terminate the existing sponsorship agreement prematurely on June 30, 2026. Darmstadt 98 and Software AG were able to reach a solution that is fair and economically advantageous for both parties.
This brings to an end one of the longest-standing and most influential partnerships in German professional football: Since the 2008/2009 season, the software solutions provider has been a reliable partner of Darmstadt 98. The partnership was initiated primarily by Arnd Zinnhardt, then CFO of Software AG and now Vice President of SV 98, and the club’s then President, Hans Kessler.
Until 2023, Software AG served as the main and shirt sponsor; since then, it has been a premium partner. In addition to supporting the first team, Software AG’s involvement extended far beyond traditional sponsorship: The company was particularly active in the youth academy, social projects, and the club’s digital development.
Markus Pfitzner, President of SV Darmstadt 98: “Software AG has not only accompanied SV Darmstadt 98 for many years, but has also supported us through crucial moments. Our sporting and economic success over the past decade is also thanks to Software AG. The company stood by us, especially in many challenging situations – right at the beginning of the partnership during a precarious financial period, as well as during difficult sporting phases, such as the 2017/18 season. Beyond traditional sponsorship, Software AG has also provided lasting impetus in many areas of the club. We therefore regret all the more that the strategic realignment no longer allows for the continuation of the partnership. At the same time, we are grateful for the time we shared and the amicable and economically sound solution we reached.”
Software AG has also provided lasting impetus in many areas of the club. Arnd Zinnhardt, Vice President of SV 98: “Back in 2008, Software AG and I wanted to actively contribute to strengthening Darmstadt as a business location and as a city. In this context, we set ourselves the goal of re-establishing Darmstadt 98 on the national football map. This has been achieved sustainably through the trusting and close cooperation between Software AG and the club.”
Wolfgang Fuß, Managing Director of Software GmbH: “The partnership with SV Darmstadt 98 was far more than just sponsorship for us. It represented a close collaboration, both economically and socially, based on trust, shared values, and a genuine connection to the region. It has been a great pleasure for us to accompany the club on its successful journey – and to repeatedly experience how much this connection has enriched us both.”
SV Darmstadt 98 will use the remaining time until the end of the season, together with Software AG, to give the partnership a fitting send-off. The club would like to express its sincere thanks for the long-standing, trusting and consistently cooperative partnership as well as the comprehensive support in various areas of club life.
The summer break is drawing to a close, and this coming Sunday (June 28th), the Darmstadt professionals will be back on the training pitch for the first time, officially starting their preparations for the 2026/27 second division season. And they'll be doing so in the Odenwald region. Furthermore, the club has welcomed another new signing, Nicolas Verkooijen. You can find these and other topics in our weekly edition, "Lilies Across the Board."
At the "Lionel Richie Tribute Night" on June 27, 2026 (Saturday evening, doors open at 8:30 p.m.), Jimmie Wilson will bring the greatest hits of the American soul singer live to the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. This concert evening, presented by SV Darmstadt 98 Stadion GmbH, promises a special atmosphere – whether you want to sing along, dance, or simply enjoy the music. Here you will find all the important organisational information.
SV 98 have secured the services of highly sought-after Nicolas Verkooijen. The Belgian U21 international joins the club in southern Hesse on a free transfer after his contract with Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven expired at the end of the season.
The "Bundesliga Talent Series" will launch in the 2026/27 season as an additional U21 competition to promote young talent in German professional football. SV 98 is one of 26 clubs from the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga that have committed to participating.
Tim Arnold will play in the Regionalliga West next season. SV 98 is loaning the 19-year-old to Sportfreunde Siegen. The fourth-division club also has an option to sign him permanently.
Want to take your team to the Heinerfest stage? Then apply now! SV Darmstadt 98 is looking for four teams to be part of the Lilies' Heinerfest game show and compete against former Lilie player Michael Stegmayer. The show takes place on Saturday, July 4th, from 4pm to 6pm. Amateur teams, groups of friends, families, fan clubs, and club groups are all welcome to participate.
With the start of the Hessian summer holidays on June 29th, the Merck Lilies football camps will of course also be in full swing again. You can find all the information here.
SV 98 is making changes to the head coaching positions for its U21 and U19 teams for the upcoming season. Sebastian Schmitt, who has been in charge of the U21s since February, will now coach the U19s. Conversely, the current U19 coach, Patrick Kurt, will take over the position with the U21s.
The SV Darmstadt 98 fan shop at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be closed next Monday (June 22nd). It will reopen on Tuesday (June 23rd) with its regular opening hours.
Where are the Darmstadt 98 players spending their summer holidays? We'll give you a brief overview. Furthermore, SV 98 welcomed their first new signing, Noah Weißhaupt, to the Böllenfalltor stadium this week, and the club's veterans team will be playing two matches again this weekend. We'll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 in our "Lilies Across the Board" section.
At the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor against FC Homburg: Ticket sales for the friendly match on July 14, 2026, at 6pm against the regional league team begin on June 18 at noon. Tickets are available as usual at the ticket office at the stadium and in our online ticket shop. We would also like to draw your attention to this very special match day: The friendly against FC Homburg will put our youngest fans in the spotlight, giving them their first ever children's match day at the stadium, an event never before seen at the Merck Stadium.
