Economic foundation crumbling at HB Ludwigsburg, causing disorder
German Women's Handball Bundesliga Champions HB Ludwigsburg Face Insolvency Crisis
HB Ludwigsburg, the double winners of the German women's handball Bundesliga, are currently in a financial crisis due to insolvency. The club, which moved to Ludwigsburg last year after achieving great success as SG BBM Bietigheim, has failed to secure funding for the upcoming season [1][2].
The insolvency proceedings were announced by the club in July 2025, casting doubt on its ability to participate in the 2025/26 season [1]. The European Handball Federation (EHF) demanded detailed financial transparency from both the club and the insolvency administrator by late July 2025, reflecting the seriousness of the crisis [1].
Despite ongoing operations initially, HB Ludwigsburg had to release all players by early August 2025, acknowledging they had not secured the necessary funding to maintain the team [2]. The players were informed of the decision on a smaller scale. Under the current circumstances, it is not reasonable to expect the players to continue honoring their contracts, as stated by Dr. Holger Leichtle, the preliminary insolvency administrator [1].
The funding gap has been building up over a longer period, with the collapse of sponsorship negotiations being the primary cause of the insolvency [1]. No publicized alternative rescue plans, such as new investors, government support, or restructuring strategies, have been reported yet. The club's ability to enter the upcoming season remains uncertain without a financial turnaround and compliance with EHF financial regulations [1].
The German Women's Handball League (DHB) has announced that opening an insolvency procedure would result in a deduction of eight bonus points at the end of the regular season [1]. The next steps for HB Ludwigsburg are still unclear.
Dr. Holger Leichtle has informed the team about the financial situation and the decision to discontinue the team. The committee is currently reviewing the continuation of the project on a smaller scale with reduced financial resources [1]. The team's discontinuation was unfortunate, as expressed by an unspecified source.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2]
- The financial crisis facing HB Ludwigsburg, the champions of the German women's handball Bundesliga, has extended to other areas of business, as they struggle to secure funding for the upcoming season.
- The insolvency proceedings have put the club's participation in the 2025/26 season and compliance with European Handball Federation (EHF) financial regulations at risk.
- Personal-finance issues have been mounting for HB Ludwigsburg, with the collapse of sponsorship negotiations being a significant contributor to their insolvent state.
- Amidst the insolvency crisis, discussions about potential solutions such as new investors, government support, or restructuring strategies have yet to surface in the public sphere.
