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.
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
A special place of remembrance for one of the most famous Darmstadt fans. Before SV Darmstadt 98's home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), Jonathan Heimes Square at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor will be officially opened.
Darmstadt's league campaign resumes on Sunday (August 30th). Their opponent? Hannover 96! Hannover 96 have lost more often to Darmstadt than to any other team in the 2. Bundesliga. All the other facts and figures surrounding the match can be found here.
On Sunday (August 30, 2026, 1:30pm), SV 98 asks you to take note of the following information for the upcoming home game. Starting this season, we will be offering women's entrances at the west entrances. Additionally, there is a Bölle Bande family entrance with easier access at the Karl-Hess-Platz entrance.
In Wednesday's media briefing, Nicolas Verkooijen spoke about his Kickbase team, communication within the squad, and the intensive training in Germany. A former Darmstadt 98 player had the opportunity to compete against the best footballers, and we report on the historic stadium tour as part of the Bundesliga's founding anniversary celebrations. All the latest news from SV Darmstadt 98 can be found, as usual, in "Lilies Across the Board"
A journey to the roots of the Lilies: Where churches, residential buildings, or clubhouses stand today, Darmstadt football history was once written. To mark the Day of German Football History, 35 participants set out on a special tour of discovery aboard the professional team's bus—tracing the path from the early pitches of FK Olympia and SC Darmstadt to the club's current home at the Böllenfalltor.