In this article, JeansPitch will dive into when did Bundesliga season start, both this season (2025/26) and when the very first campaign kicked off back in 1963. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into German football, these dates matter—they mark the thrill of kickoff, the hush before the winter break, and the roar of final matchday drama.
2025/26 Bundesliga kickoff
- The 2025/26 Bundesliga season officially began on 22 August 2025.
- Bundesliga 2 (the second tier) started earlier: 1 August 2025. ndesliga)
- Matchday 34, the final regular matchday, is scheduled for 16 May 2026.
So, if you were wondering when did Bundesliga season start, for the 2025/26 cycle, August 22, 2025 is your answer.
Historical first season: 1963–64
To go back in time: the very first Bundesliga season, the 1963–64 campaign, also has its landmark dates.
- It began on 24 August 1963.
- The season wrapped up on 9 May 1964.
- As a side note, 1. FC Köln won that inaugural Bundesliga title.
Why the dates vary & what to expect each season
Understanding when the Bundesliga season starts isn’t just about remembering a date—it’s about knowing the patterns and planning around them.
- Typical kickoff window: Most Bundesliga seasons begin in mid-to-late August. This allows for summer transfers, preseason matches, and qualification rounds for European competitions.
- Winter break: After around 15 matchdays, a winter break kicks in (usually around mid-December). The league resumes in early January.
- End of season: The season normally concludes in mid-May. Matchday 34 is when all teams have played home and away fixtures throughout the league.
Other useful season-start facts
- In the 2025/26 opener, Bayern Munich will host RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on the first matchday. That’s often how the league builds hype.
- The framework for the season is usually announced several months ahead, often in summer. For 2025/26, the calendar was confirmed in November 2024.
Conclusion
When did Bundesliga season start? In 2025/26 it kicked off on 22 August 2025, while the inaugural Bundesliga campaign (1963-64) began on 24 August 1963. Knowing these dates helps you track the rhythm of the season: the buildup, the first game, the winter pause, and the finale in May.
If you like, JeansPitch can also pull together a list of all Bundesliga season start dates through the decades, so you can spot trends or patterns. Want me to put that together?
