Sport
11 September, 2025
Bundesliga gets kick out of Queensland soccer
QUEENSLAND is set to become a hub for world-class football with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the world’s most popular soccer leagues: the German Bundesliga.
The agreement with the Deutsche Fussball Liga (DFL) establishes a strategic partnership to grow football in Queensland while bringing globally recognised competitions to the state.
The deal includes scope for training camps and exhibition matches featuring some of the world’s most watched teams. It also outlines opportunities for a summer football festival with Bundesliga clubs, grassroots programs, coaching clinics, youth development pathways, and a business summit to drive bilateral trade and investment between Queensland and Germany.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, said the agreement with one of Europe’s top leagues was a powerful example of Queensland delivering on its Destination 2045 tourism and events vision.
“We said we would make Queensland the events capital of Australia, and a global leader in world-class events and experiences,” he said.
“By bringing one of the world’s most iconic football leagues to Queensland, we’re not only growing the game, but we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and community connection across the state.
“We saw recently with the British and Irish Lions tour how much passionate fans will travel for their sport, and we expect a similar economic return. That event likely netted more than $55 million.”
Minister for Sport and Racing, Tim Mander, said a Bundesliga presence would help strengthen football participation across Queensland.
“The Bundesliga is one of the biggest leagues in the world, boasting worldwide viewership while producing some of the best footballers,” Mr Mander said.
“This partnership in collaboration with Germany’s top-flight clubs will generate even more interest in football across Queensland.
“We are committed to finding new ways to get Queensland kids playing sport, and partnerships like this encourage our young ones to emulate their sporting heroes on the pitch.”
Member for Redlands, Rebecca Young, said the proposal to bring a training camp to her region was a game changer.
“Imagine Redlands’ young footballers having the chance to train alongside some of the world’s best – what an opportunity,” Ms Young said.
“Redlands has some fantastic sporting clubs and facilities, and I know our community will welcome the opportunity to boost our local economy and highlight Redlands on the world stage.”
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) CEO, Craig Davidson, said the partnership would strengthen Queensland’s global profile in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Bundesliga MoU is a strategic win for Queensland, aimed at strengthening our events pipeline and showcasing Queensland’s capability as host of globally significant experiences,” he said.
“From grassroots football to major festivals, this MoU will help us explore the kind of unforgettable moments that define our state, especially as we work towards the 2032 Games.”
The Bundesliga currently features more Australian players than any of Europe’s top five leagues, including Socceroos stars Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe and Kasey Bos.
