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.
SV Darmstadt 98 invites all its members to come to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on November 1st, 2026, starting at 11:30am. Together, we aim to once again create the largest team photo in our club’s history—with the professional players in the front and the entire Lilies family behind them.
On Sunday (Oct 18th), SV Darmstadt 98 will visit Karlsruher SC. The side from Baden differs from the Lilies in several key respects. Furthermore, the match will see SV 98 cross paths with a former player once again. Find out here about other connections between the two clubs, as well as some particularly interesting statistics ahead of the encounter.
On Tuesday evening (October 13th), the SilberLilien took part in SV Darmstadt 98’s Stolperstein tour for the first time. Along the approximately six-kilometre route, the participants made several stops to learn more about the fates of Jewish club members who were persecuted and driven out during the Holocaust.
From new grassroots sports offerings and a look back at the club's history to birthdays and the latest updates from the media briefing—there is plenty to report from SV Darmstadt 98 again this week. In "Lilien Across the Board," we round up the news, insights, and stories from life at the club.
Tickets for the home match against 1. FC Heidenheim on November 22nd are available for purchase now.
SV Darmstadt 98's U21 team proved their mettle at home against KSV Hessen Kassel II in the Hessenliga on Sunday (Oct. 11th). After a convincing 90-minute performance, the Young Lilies secured another three points, finishing with a decisive 4–0 victory that lifts them to sixth place in the standings.
The Lilies overturned an early deficit to celebrate a 3–1 home victory against Energie Cottbus—a win that boosts confidence and confirms the progress being made. Read our analysis to find out why there is still work to be done and what positives SV 98 takes away from the match.
This season, too, Lilien fans will be doubly rewarded for every home goal scored by SV Darmstadt 98. In addition to the joy and excitement of the goals, the team's supporters will receive 98 litres of Krombacher Pils for every home goal scored by Darmstadt at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor.
After the international break, Darmstadt 98 returned to the Bölle with a home win! Against Energie Cottbus, SV Darmstadt 98 put on a spirited performance in front of their home crowd and rewarded themselves with three points after an intense match. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you here:
Despite falling behind, Darmstadt secured their second consecutive home win! Darmstadt defeated Energie Cottbus 3-1 (1-1). The home side equalised after conceding an early goal in the four-minute period through Weißhaupt before halftime. Vukotic headed his team into the lead in the second half, before Lührs sealed the victory with the third goal. This home win brings Darmstadt's season total to seven points.
Homegame at Böllenfalltor (10/10, 1pm): Florian Kohfeldt has made two changes to his starting XI compared to the away match in Wolfsburg three weeks ago. Richter and Mikelbrencis come into the starting lineup for Sickinger (calf issues) and Lannert (illness).
On Saturday afternoon (October 10th, 1pm), SV 98 hosts Energie Cottbus at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor for Matchday 7. What do the two head coaches have to say ahead of kick-off? Who is officiating the match, and where can you follow the action live? As always, we have compiled all the key information regarding the game against Cottbus in our "Matchday Guide" feature.