Leon Klassen will continue to wear the Grazer AK jersey. SV 98 and the Austrian first division club have agreed on a permanent transfer for the 26-year-old. Klassen had already been on loan to Graz for the past six months.
Paul Fernie: “We spoke openly with Leon about his prospects and his chances of regular playing time in the upcoming season, and we agreed that a transfer was the best solution. Graz had already expressed interest early on due to Leon’s performances in the past six months, and now we have found a solution that is satisfactory for all parties. We wish Leon every success in Austria.”
Klassen joined Darmstadt 98 from Lyngby BK in July 2025 and made a total of five competitive appearances for the club. In January 2026, the left-back joined Grazer AK on loan and played a total of 15 matches for the Austrian side.
As part of the social campaign "Under the Sign of the Lily," SV Darmstadt 98 and its premium partner Merck are focusing on the mental health of young people. The goal of both partners is to raise awareness among young people about this issue, to better understand stress factors, and to develop individual strategies for everyday life.
There's a lot going on at SV Darmstadt 98, both on and off the pitch: New signing Noah Weißhaupt talks about his move to Darmstadt, the second friendly match against VfR Fehlheim is coming up, and the children's play day at the Bölle stadium is just around the corner. You'll also find out everything about season ticket sales, the Darmstadt pop-up store, and the social initiatives surrounding the German Red Cross blood drive and a fundraising appeal. In "Lilies Across the Board," we bring you all the latest news from the world of SV Darmstadt 98.
The Herzenslilien (Heart Lilies) were awarded the Play Fair Prize of the German Olympic Society (DOG) Darmstadt on July 2, 2026, at the Darmstadt Stadium. The prize honours exemplary gestures in youth and grassroots sports, as well as projects that embody social commitment in a special way.
Before SV Darmstadt 98 officially kicks off the 2026/27 second division season, a very special day awaits all Lilies fans at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. As a final dress rehearsal before the start of the competitive season, the Lilies will host the traditional English club Portsmouth FC on Saturday (August 1st) at 2pm. But there will be plenty to see and do beyond the pitch: Around the friendly match, the Lilies will celebrate the official opening of the 2026/27 season together with their supporters.
The Bundesliga finalised the exact times for the first two matchdays on Tuesday (July 7th). Darmstadt's home game against Holstein Kiel on Matchday 1 will take place on Saturday (August 8th) at 1pm. This will be followed by their away game against SG Dynamo Dresden on Sunday (August 16th) at 1:30pm.
Join the Lilies on their journey through the stadiums of Germany! All Lilies fans (and fan groups) can now apply for an away season ticket (AWDK). With the AWDK, you are guaranteed a standing ticket for every Lilies away match, which will be reserved for you – that includes all league matches, DFB Cup games, and any potential relegation play-off matches of the 2026/27 season.
SV Darmstadt 98 decisively won their first pre-season friendly, defeating the district league side SG Arheilgen 12-0 (4-0).
Paul Will will no longer play for SV 98. The midfielder is moving to SpVgg Greuther Fürth, the club where the 27-year-old already played on loan during the second half of the previous season. Both clubs have agreed on a permanent transfer.
Throughout its eventful history, SV Darmstadt 98 has gone through many different eras. Yet, the Lily has been a constant companion throughout. It is the symbol that has united the club for generations. The home jersey for the 2026/27 season is therefore a tribute to the Lily—a mark of tradition, yet also an emblem of the current era.
A special honour for Anne Baumann. During the official opening of the Heinerfest on Thursday (July 2nd), the Darmstadt native was honored as a "committed Heinerin."
Southern Hesse’s largest choir! On December 22, 2026, the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor will once again be filled with Christmas spirit as the great Darmstadt Christmas Sing-Along—presented by Merck—takes place for the third time. Advance ticket sales begin on Friday (July 3 at 12:00pm), both online and at the ticket shop at the Merck-Stadion. We have summarised all further details for you in this announcement.
The 76th Darmstadt Heinerfest is just around the corner, and naturally, the Lilies will be part of the action—we’ll be covering it. Meanwhile, on Saturday (July 4th), SV Darmstadt 98 will play their first friendly of this summer’s pre-season against SG Arheilgen, featuring debuts for new signings and the unveiling of the new kit. In "Lilies Across the Board," we bring you all the latest news and updates from within the club.