Overview

• The season opened on 1–3 August with Matchday 1 pairings published, including Waldhof Mannheim vs. SC Verl and Ingolstadt vs. Jahn Regensburg.
• A four‑week pause follows Matchday 19 on 19–21 December, with league action resuming on 16 January 2026.
• The final round is set for 16 May 2026, with relegation playoffs planned for 21–26 May and exact kickoff times to be confirmed.
• Twenty clubs are confirmed, highlighted by relegated Regensburg and Ulm joining from the 2. Bundesliga, promotions for MSV Duisburg, 1. FC Schweinfurt and TSG Hoffenheim II, and TSV Havelse advancing via a playoff while Braunschweig stayed up.
• Matchweeks follow the established rhythm: Friday evening slots, five Saturday games at 14:00 plus a 17:30 top game, three Sunday windows, midweek fixtures at 19:00, and all 10 matches simultaneous on the final day for a 380‑game slate plus two playoff ties.