End of the Partnership Confirmed
Borussia Dortmund has announced that it will not renew its controversial sponsorship agreement with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall when the current deal expires on June 30, 2027, as ESPN reported in an article published on November 13, 2026. The partnership, which began in 2024, designates Rheinmetall as a champion partner, with the company’s banners displayed on advertising hoardings during matches. German media previously estimated the value of the agreement to be up to €9 million, or approximately $10 million, per year.
Club chairman Carsten Cramer stated in an interview published on the club’s website that the decision follows a vote by members at the 2024 annual general meeting on a motion opposing any contract extension beyond 2027. Cramer acknowledged that the arrangement had faced intense criticism and friction among supporters from the outset, with some fans even renouncing their support in protest.
Financial Impact and Next Steps
Addressing the financial consequences of the decision, Cramer noted that the club will lose the sponsorship income starting in the summer of 2027. He explained that the loss reduces the club’s financial room for maneuver, requiring Dortmund to reprioritize planned investments and carefully examine alternative solutions to manage the budgetary gap.
Founded in 1889 as Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik Actiengesellschaft, Rheinmetall served as a major armaments manufacturer during both World Wars and utilized forced labor during World War II, historical factors that contributed to the ongoing supporter friction surrounding the modern football club partnership.