Licensing procedure for the 2025/26 season launched - Newly introduced TTBL license statute also includes sustainability criteria
The Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) licensing procedure for the 2025/26 season has started. The newly introduced licensing statute also includes various sustainability criteria for the first time.
The licensing procedure is a key component in the professional development of the German Table Tennis League (TTBL) and ensures the economically stable and sustainable staging of TTBL competitions in the interests of all participating clubs.
Stage 1 of the licensing process, the application process for the 2025/26 TTBL season, runs until 26.02.2025. 12 clubs can receive a license for the TTBL. Once applications have been received by the deadline and subject to sporting qualification, the applicants will undergo the license review process, in which the clubs' legal, personnel, administrative, infrastructural and financial criteria will be examined.
New license statute also includes sustainability criteria
For the 2025/26 season, the TTBL has revised its licensing statutes with the legal support of the law firm Martens. It contains a structured and bundled version of the basic principles and procedure of the licensing process as well as the licensing requirements. In addition to the licensing criteria already successfully applied in previous seasons, the TTBL clubs have unanimously decided to include sustainability aspects in the three areas of organization, compliance & integrity, climate & environmental protection and human rights in the licensing process.
In addition to the TTBL's long-standing legal advisor Dr. Paul Fischer, Dr. Tinusch Jalilvand, who is already providing legal advice to the German Football League (DFL) on the implementation of sustainability standards in the DFL Sustainability Guideline, also assisted the TTBL with the implementation of sustainability criteria. ESG criteria were developed for the TTBL in the form of a so-called materiality analysis and on the basis of a survey of important stakeholders in national table tennis, which are now being gradually incorporated into the licensing process.
The TTBL is thus setting an important example for modern, responsible and future-oriented top-level sport in Germany.