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28.04.2026 / English

The partnership between Software AG and SV 98 will end at the end of the season.

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.

Software AG
Foto: Stefan Holtzem

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.

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