The Spectacle of the Austrian Bundesliga in Austria: everything you need to know about the 2025/2026 season
The start of the new season: the great return of Austrian football
The Austrian Bundesliga returns on August 1, 2025, with a series of exciting matches that will mark the beginning of another tense and uncertain season. The clubs are already in full preparation mode, fans are eagerly awaiting their return to the stadiums, and interest in the domestic championship is growing from week to week.
Season schedule and key dates
The season begins on August 1, 2025, and the end of the regular season is scheduled for the end of March 2026. This will be followed by a play-off in two groups – for the champion and for survival – which will extend until May 2026.
- August 1, 2025 – first round of the Austrian Bundesliga
- December 2025 – start of the winter break
- February 2026 – continuation of the season after the break
- End of March 2026 – end of the regular part of the championship
- April – May 2026 – play-offs for the title and survival
Competition structure: division after 22 rounds
The well-known system with 12 clubs is still in use. After 22 rounds, the league is divided into two groups:
- Championship group – the top 6 clubs continue the fight for the title
- Relegation group – the remaining 6 clubs fight for survival
Each team then plays an additional 10 rounds. It is important to emphasize that the points from the regular part of the competition are halved, which further increases the uncertainty and the importance of each match.
Biggest favorites and club ambitions
Red Bull Salzburg again enters the season as the main favorite, but their competition is not far behind. Sturm Graz, the current cup winner and runner-up, has a clear goal – to fight for the title until the last round. Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna want to take advantage of a favorable draw and home matches to return to the top of Austrian football.
LASK Linz also enters with high ambitions, especially due to strong reinforcements in the midfield. There are also clubs like Wolfsberger and Klagenfurt, who are known for unpleasant surprises and can influence the standings in the upper part of the table.
New faces and rising stars
The Austrian league is known for creating and promoting young talents. Many clubs invest in academies, and this season we will see debutants from the junior ranks. Some of the most notable young players include:
- Moritz Wels – a technically extremely skilled midfielder from Sturm
- Roko Šimić – a Salzburg striker in great form
- Justin Omoregie – a versatile defender with great potential
Transfer window and most notable transfers
The summer transfer window is active again, and clubs have already made a series of significant moves. Salzburg has brought in young talents from South America and the Nordic countries, while Sturm has strengthened its defense with experienced players from the German 2. Bundesliga. Rapid Vienna has focused on reinforcements in attack, while Austria Vienna is strengthening its rotation in midfield.
Coaching changes and tactical shifts
Several clubs have changed coaches over the summer, which also brings new philosophies of play. Salzburg remains faithful to fast, offensive football with high pressing, while Sturm combines a disciplined defense with a direct attack. Hartberg and Blau-Weiß Linz are also experimenting with 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3 formations in pre-season matches.
Derbies that mark the season
Fans are eagerly awaiting the derbies, which always bring an extra charge. The most famous is the Vienna derby between Austria and Rapid, but it is also worth highlighting the clashes between Sturm and Salzburg, as well as the matches between LASK and the Vienna clubs. These matches often decide the European positions and bring unpredictable turnarounds.
Infrastructure and stadiums
The Austrian Bundesliga boasts modern stadiums. The Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, the Merkur Arena in Graz, and the Allianz Stadion in Vienna offer excellent conditions for players and fans. More and more clubs are investing in infrastructure and modernization, including digital ticket systems, security technologies, and environmental standards.
The role of the Austrian league in the European context
Austrian clubs are increasingly participating in the group stages of European competitions. Salzburg has become a regular participant in the Champions League, while Sturm and LASK are competitive in the Europa League and the Conference League. Results on the European stage directly affect the national coefficient and the number of spots in future UEFA competitions.
Fan support and the local community
Fans in Austria play a strong role in the daily life of the clubs. Many teams organize fan zones, gatherings, open training sessions, and involve the community in club activities. It is particularly important to note that the number of spectators in stadiums is growing year by year, and matches are often sold out before they even begin.
Expectations before the start of the championship
The 2025/2026 season offers many questions and unknowns: can Sturm break Salzburg's dominance? Will Rapid and Austria catch up with the top? Can smaller clubs surprise and secure a place in European qualifiers? With attractive matches, new players, and a large number of derbies, everything is set for another unforgettable season of Austrian football.
Television rights and digital visibility
The Austrian Bundesliga has a strong media presence through contracts with sports channels and digital platforms. All matches will be available to watch via television and online services, which significantly increases the championship's accessibility to viewers at home and abroad. Modern systems allow for multi-angle broadcasts, real-time analytics, and interactive displays, and the content is further promoted on the social media of the clubs and the league.
VAR technology and the rules of the game
The VAR system, present in all Bundesliga matches, has been further improved for the 2025/2026 season. The need for interruptions has been reduced, and faster procedures for checking controversial moments have been introduced. Referees have undergone additional training to ensure consistency of decisions and maximum fairness. The new rules also include stricter sanctions for simulation, faster resumption of play after fouls, and clearer definitions of handball in the penalty area.
Environmental standards and sustainable club operations
Austrian clubs recognize the importance of sustainable action in sport. During the 2025/2026 season, many clubs are implementing environmental measures such as:
- using renewable energy sources for stadium lighting and heating,
- digital ticket sales to reduce paper consumption,
- recycling waste during and after matches,
- cooperation with local communities on green mobility projects.
These initiatives confirm that the Bundesliga is not just a competition on the pitch, but also an important social actor.
Statistical expectations and analytical projections
Analytical models predict that the 2025/2026 season will once again be rich in goals. The projected average number of goals is 2.8 per match. The largest share of goals is expected from set pieces, while an increase in the efficiency of young strikers is predicted. Defensive statistics show that Sturm could have the tightest defense, while Salzburg could once again dominate in the number of goals scored.
The impact of the pandemic and the return of full stands
After several seasons of partial restrictions, the stands are fully open again. Clubs are recording an increase in season ticket sales and a strong return of fan groups. Full stadiums not only mean a better atmosphere but also an additional motivation for players and coaches. Smaller clubs, which lost a significant part of their income during the restrictions, are particularly important – their financial health is now stabilizing again.
Cooperation with schools and local academies
The Bundesliga and the clubs are developing special cooperation programs with schools and academies. Young footballers get the opportunity to train with professional coaches, participate in tournaments, and develop sports and life skills. Many players from the first teams are happy to participate in educational projects, which further strengthens the bond between sport and the community.
Women's Bundesliga and the development of women's football
Although the focus remains on the men's senior championship, the Austrian Football Association and the clubs are increasingly investing in women's football. Investments in women's youth selections, professional coaching staff, and better infrastructure are increasingly visible. Some clubs, like Sturm and Austria Vienna, already have women's teams that train under the same conditions as the men's teams.
Psychological preparation and sports science
Austrian clubs are increasingly using sports psychologists, nutritionists, biomechanics, and fitness experts. The physical fitness of the players has been brought to a maximum, but special emphasis is also placed on mental resilience, stress management, and recovery between matches. More and more coaches are using sleep and nutrition analysis to optimize performance during the season.
Stadium capacities and spectator comfort
Stadiums in Austria are designed to offer maximum comfort. In addition to seating, heated sectors, family areas, access for people with disabilities, quality catering, and interactive content for children are available to spectators. All major stadiums offer free Wi-Fi and apps for navigation and information.
Comparison with other European leagues
Although it is not among the leagues with the largest budgets, the Austrian Bundesliga holds a high position in terms of attractiveness of play, talent development, and result uncertainty. The success of clubs in European competitions, the export of players to stronger leagues, and the growth of media visibility make this league one of the most interesting "smaller" championships in Europe.
The importance of regional identities and local tradition
Austrian football is deeply connected with regional identities. Fans proudly represent their cities, and clubs often preserve local customs and history through symbols, colors, and music in the stadiums. This emotional connection makes every match more than a sporting event – it becomes a cultural and social moment.
Ready for a new era of Austrian football
The Austrian Bundesliga 2025/2026 is not just a new season – it is a new beginning for clubs, fans, sponsors, and the entire sports community. With modern infrastructure, young talents, great rivalries, and a clear vision for the future, everything is ready for a spectacle that will not leave any football fan indifferent.
Austrian Bundesliga 2025/2026 – a tense fight for European spots and key positions
The European ambition of Austrian clubs
Entering UEFA competitions is one of the main goals for clubs in the Bundesliga. Places in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League become an additional motive for all teams, regardless of size and tradition. The 2025/2026 season has the potential to bring new European surprises from Austria, thanks to the high level of play and ever-improving conditions in the clubs.
Qualifications and the fight for Europe
The Austrian Bundesliga has clearly defined paths to Europe:
- The league champion goes directly to the UEFA Champions League qualifiers
- The runner-up and third-placed team enter the UEFA Europa League qualifiers
- The winner of the play-off in the relegation group can secure a place in the Conference League
Because of this, even clubs from the lower part of the table maintain a competitive ambition until the very end. In the 2024/2025 season, it was precisely a club from the lower group that surprised and secured European qualifiers through the play-offs – a scenario that could be repeated this year.
Clubs aiming for Europe
Red Bull Salzburg is almost certainly planning another run at the UEFA Champions League, while Sturm Graz will aim for at least a place in the Europa League. Rapid Vienna, Austria Vienna, and LASK are in constant competition with each other for third and fourth place, while Wolfsberger AC and Klagenfurt do not hide their ambitions for a historic placement on the European stage.
The winter transfer window and its impact on the rest of the season
The transfer window during the winter often brings unexpected transfers. Clubs try to strengthen key positions and compensate for injuries. The focus is on young players from the region, but also on experienced returnees who can bring stability. In the 2025/2026 season, an active January is expected, especially in clubs aiming for Europe.
Psychological pressure and the importance of rotation
As the season progresses, saturation occurs, both mental and physical. Coaches use wider rotations and adapt tactics against different opponents. It is precisely the depth of the squad that often decides the outcome of the season – clubs with a larger number of quality players can more easily handle the Wednesday-Saturday-Sunday rhythm, especially if they are also competing on the European stage.
Analysis of the relegation group
The relegation group is by no means less important. The points are halved, the differences between the clubs are minimal, and the stake is huge – survival in the elite rank. It is often in this group that the most dramatic matches are played. Clubs like Blau-Weiß Linz, Hartberg, and Ried depend on their form at the end of the season, but also on the atmosphere in the dressing room and the support of the fans.
Relegation and promotion – a fight to the last round
The last place leads directly to the second league, while the second-to-last club plays additional qualifiers with the runner-up from the 2. Liga. The system ensures additional drama at the very end of the season. Last season's example showed how a club that was last for a long time can avoid relegation in just a few rounds thanks to a series of positive results.
Tactics and innovations in the second part of the season
Coaches often change formations after the winter break. Some switch to systems with three at the back, others experiment with false nines or formations without a classic striker. In the 2025/2026 season, analysts are announcing greater flexibility and personalized tactics adapted to each opponent. Technology in data analysis is becoming a key tool in deciding on strategy.
Coaches under pressure
In the second part of the season, a larger number of coaching changes is expected. Clubs fighting for survival or for European spots will not hesitate to change leadership in search of better results. In the past two seasons, more than eight coaching changes per season have been recorded, and the trend could continue in 2026.
Players who can decide the season
In every team, there are one or two players who can turn the tide of the season. Among them are:
- Benjamin Šeško – if he stays in the league, crucial for Salzburg
- Manprit Sarkaria – the engine of the midfield at Sturm
- Matthias Seidl – a technically very mature playmaker for LASK
- Marco Grüll – a constantly dangerous winger for Rapid
Their form, as well as possible injuries, can significantly affect the final league standings.
Fan expectations and the influence of the atmosphere
The atmosphere in the stadiums is a key factor, especially in decisive matches. Clubs with a large fan base have the advantage of home turf. Rapid and Austria Vienna often play in front of more than 15,000 spectators, while Salzburg and LASK have strong support throughout the season. The fans of the smaller club Klagenfurt, although numerically smaller, are known for their fierce support and fanatical loyalty.
Club academies and the future of the league
Besides the current standings, the league also focuses on the future. Clubs invest in their own youth schools, certified by the association, and increasingly rely on young domestic talents. Salzburg, Sturm, and Rapid have been developing players for years who immediately enter the senior squads and compete for European transfers.
Seasonal goals and long-term strategies
Some clubs think exclusively seasonally, but more and more of them are building long-term strategies – from financial stability and sporting growth to international expansion. Investments in infrastructure, sports directors, technical analysts, and scouting networks testify to the seriousness and strategic approach to the future of Austrian football.
The Austrian Bundesliga as a brand
The league is increasingly positioning itself as a recognizable European sports brand. Marketing campaigns, presence on social media, a modern visual identity, and professional management contribute to the growth of its image. The Bundesliga is increasingly mentioned as an ideal development destination for young players, as well as for ambitious coaches from the region and beyond.
A stake that never stops growing
In the final rounds of the 2025/2026 season, every point can be decisive. Not only for the title, but also for Europe, relegation, a financial bonus, or the coach's job. That is why the Austrian Bundesliga is more than just a football competition – it is a continuous challenge, where tactics, mentality, and fan passion make the difference.