Overview

• FC Bayern München face RB Leipzig to launch the 63rd season, with previews widely casting Bayern as the title favorites despite depth concerns.
• Hamburger SV mark their top-flight return after seven years, as coach Merlin Polzin confirms Daniel Heuer Fernandes as starting goalkeeper and signals possible bench roles for captain Yussuf Poulsen and Jean‑Luc Dompé.
• HSV arrive from a rocky lead‑in featuring five preseason defeats and an extra‑time DFB‑Pokal escape at FK Pirmasens, while a remodelled squad beds in after significant turnover.
• Bayer Leverkusen begin under new coach Erik ten Hag following major exits; Loïc Badé and Claudio Echeverri were unveiled this week, Echeverri could feature against Hoffenheim, and Malik Tillman remains out as ten Hag stresses growing team cohesion.
• Operational changes start immediately across the league, including semi‑automated offside, in‑stadium explanations for VAR decision changes, increased RefCam usage, and a new broadcast split with DAZN carrying the conference and Sky airing Friday and key Saturday slots.