German Baseball League 2026: Schedule Released, New Format Introduced

The German Baseball League (DBL) has unveiled its official schedule for the 2026 season, kicking off on April 10th with twelve teams vying for the championship title. The league features a new format this year, including a two-part intermediate phase designed to intensify competition and determine playoff seeding.

Season Opener: Heidenheim Heideköpfe vs. Stuttgart Reds

The defending champions, Heidenheim Heideköpfe, will lead off the season in a Baden-Württemberg derby against the Stuttgart Reds. This highly anticipated match promises an exciting start to the league’s campaign. On June 29, 2025, Heidenheim defeated Stuttgart 5-2 [Sofascore].

Welcome Back: Dortmund Wanderers

The DBL welcomes back the Dortmund Wanderers, champions of the 2nd Bundesliga North, to the top tier. Having previously competed in the league for 13 years, with their last appearance in 2022, the Wanderers return after a dominant performance in the second division playoffs, suffering only one defeat.

New Intermediate Phase Format

This season introduces a new two-part intermediate phase following the regular round. The top three teams from both relays will compete in an interleague round, while the remaining teams will battle for the final playoff spots in a “wildcard race.” The final round seeding will be determined by the rankings from both phases.

Playoff Structure

The playoffs are scheduled to begin on September 15th with the quarterfinals, continuing in a best-of-five format. The semi-finals will follow on September 5th, leading to the final series for the German championship starting on September 12th.

Milestone Game for Paderborn Untouchables

The Untouchables Paderborn will celebrate a significant milestone on April 11th, playing their 1000th game in the Bundesliga against the Cologne Cardinals. The six-time German champions and two-time cup winners will host the Cardinals in the Ahorn Ballpark, marking a special moment in German baseball history.

Key Dates and Schedule Highlights

• April 10-12: Season Kick-off
• April 11: Paderborn Untouchables 1000th Bundesliga Game
• September 5: Semi-Finals Begin
• September 12: Championship Final Series Begins

Stuttgart Reds Team Information

As of February 16, 2026, the Stuttgart Reds’ Head Coach is Austin Bull, and the Manager is Heiko Witt. [Stuttgart Reds]. In the 2025 standings, the Stuttgart Reds were 4th with a record of 16 wins and 14 losses. [Stuttgart Reds].

For the latest updates, schedules, and results, visit the official Deutsche Baseball Liga website: www.baseball.de