News

In addition to fans and players, managers of the twelve clubs in the Table Tennis Bundesliga are also eagerly anticipating the start of the season. Immediately before the start of the new season, club officials responded to a survey on various topics that have been of interest to the TTBL community during the summer break.

The TTBL set several spectator and reach records last season. What factors are crucial for this trend to continue?

Heinz Duda (TTC Schwalbe Bergneustadt): "Balanced TTBL teams, so that the decision on play-off participation is delayed for as long as possible. More advertising on all channels to attract even more attention."

Sascha Greber (Werder Bremen): "The league is doing very, very well and has an attractive live format. The TTBL is by far the strongest league in the world. Its prominent new additions are constantly increasing the league's appeal, so we are on the right track."

Andreas Preuß (Borussia Düsseldorf): "I don't think we'll reach those record figures again straight away. That was a one-off and was certainly down to Timo Boll's farewell tour. However, I believe that the positive trend will continue. Exciting competition guarantees spectators, as does international strength thanks to stars such as Fan Zhendong and the German national players, who are all ranked in the top 20 and some even in the top 10. The league remains highly attractive, and its organisational structure is also highly professional."

Ursula Reitemeyer (Borussia Dortmund): "Many matches featured world-class table tennis, often exciting until the very last rally. This attracted first-time spectators – at least in Dortmund. Once they've been once, they'll come back for more. Athletics combined with ball artistry and plenty of excitement make table tennis one of the most interesting sports. In addition, it would be easy to build on the fact that table tennis is one of the most popular national sports. From what I've heard, the two tables at our professional footballers' training camp in Austria were always in constant use."

Stefan Frauenholz (TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell): "Attractive players and, of course, attractive event formats will support this.2

Markus Ströher (TTC Zugbrücke Grenzau): "Match schedules that are as reliable as possible, combined with players being available to their clubs. Of course, it is essential that very good players play in the TTBL."

Martin Werner (ASC Grünwettersbach): "In my opinion, this will continue, as the production of the matches is becoming more and more professional and the clubs and their helpers are learning. It would also be nice to have a few league sponsors, such as a name sponsor, so that the clubs can invest equally in the structures. Partners would further increase the reach."

Helmut Hampl (TTC OE Clarity Telefonie-Systeme Bad Homburg): "First of all, the players' performance has to be right. Then the spectators will come, and with them, the reach will grow."

Andreas Albert (TSV Bad Königshofen): "More spectators and an even greater reach should not be a problem for the league. Fan Zhendong will draw the crowds when he plays. Practically all the teams have strengthened their squads again, and the league remains exciting because even Saarbrücken, as the clear favourite, has to win its matches first."

Stecher (Mühlhausen): "Even though Timo is practically irreplaceable in Germany, the clubs have done a good job. Fan is a huge coup for Saarbrücken and the league, but overall, it's truly a high-class – or even top-class – personnel change. The league will be a lot of fun again in the new season."

Pejinovic (Ochsenhausen): "Fan Zhendong is definitely a bombshell signing, and I’m also pleased for the league as a whole. He is of course a tremendous asset, but if you look back over the past few years, there has always been plenty of room for good players – even if not quite of Fan Zhendong’s unique caliber – in the TTBL. This trend is still ongoing.’

Barrois (Saarbrücken): "Timo is of course irreplaceable – he was the face of the TTBL for many years. Still, it's a very positive sign that players like Fan Zhendong and Hiroto Shinozuka are coming. It shows that the league is incredibly attractive on an international level and offers a thrilling stage even for absolute world-class players."

What signal, in your opinion, does Fan Zhendong’s entry into the TTBL send to the table tennis world?

Duda (Bergneustadt): "We hope for increasing interest from mainstream media like ARD, ZDF, or RTL."

Greber (Bremen): "Fan Zhendong obviously has an incredible global appeal, especially in Asia. The fact that the league is so attractive is of great importance for the perception of the TTBL."

Preuß (Düsseldorf): "The message being sent is: absolute top-level sport. When the world’s best player regularly plays in a league, that’s an incredibly positive signal. Fan brings star power to the league, he will attract spectators, media coverage, and sponsor interest. That applies not just to Saarbrücken but to every game or team that plays against him."

Reitemeyer (Dortmund): "That the TTBL might be the most exciting league in the world? In any case, it’s a strong vote of confidence for team table tennis. Many fear that the Bundesliga will become second-rate if top players only compete individually at tournaments."

Frauenholz (Fulda-Maberzell): "The Bundesliga remains highly attractive."

Ströher (Grenzau): "The TTBL is a strong league. But it’s becoming increasingly difficult for financially weaker clubs."

Werner (Grünwettersbach): "Actually, it shows that the TTBL is a 'giant' that needs to be awakened. The path has been taken, and now we must be allowed to keep going. After all, there are several sports in Germany where the leagues showcase world-class talent. These leagues just need to be given the opportunity."

Hampl (Bad Homburg): "For the TTBL, this is first and foremost fantastic. It also shows what financial possibilities the league has. And while many spectators will be drawn in, we should also proceed with some caution."

Albert (Bad Königshofen): "It proves that the German Table Tennis Bundesliga represents a challenge for players from all over the world and that players genuinely enjoy competing in Germany."

Stecher (Mühlhausen): "Fan Zhendong’s signing and his move to the Bundesliga have a signaling effect that is almost unmatched in our sport. I expect Beatlemania-like atmospheres in the halls when Fan Zhendong plays. It enhances the appeal and incredible quality of the entire Bundesliga and is kind of the cherry on top of the developments of the last few years."

Pejinovic (Ochsenhausen): "It’s a huge benefit for the league as a whole. It clearly sends a message outward that things are happening in the TTBL and that the league continues to improve and gain attractiveness, also from the players’ perspective."

Barrois (Saarbrücken): "This is a strong signal not just for Germany but for all of Europe. When a player of this caliber competes in our league, it makes the TTBL more attractive for the whole world. We hope that this step also inspires other stars to come to Germany – that would be an enormous gain for the entire table tennis community."

Timo Boll was, for decades, the most popular and influential figure of the TTBL. In 2025, does the TTBL still need a new “local hero,” or is the mix of international stars actually the more attractive alternative?

Duda (Bergneustadt): "In our opinion, every TTBL club has its own local hero. The better mix of international stars will definitely increase the attractiveness of the league."

Greber (Bremen): "Timo was truly a phenomenon, but now new top stars are coming who will also fill arenas and excite fans."

Preuß (Düsseldorf): "The league needs both; it has always needed both. Now that we have an international Chinese top star, and since China is the number one nation in table tennis, that brings special attention. But in the long term, the league also needs a local hero – someone like André Bertelsmeier or possibly Kai Stumper in the future, or other German players who may rise to that role. We still have a very strong generation of our four top players, and now it's exciting to see who from the next generation will break through. A local hero is extremely important for a league."

Reitemeyer (Dortmund): "A local hero doesn’t just appear overnight – it takes a story. I really hope the TTBL will write a few of those stories in the upcoming season."

Frauenholz (Fulda-Maberzell): "Dang Qiu and 'Dima' Ovtcharov will take over the role of local hero."

Ströher (Grenzau): "The current situation is good as it is. Hype like the one around Fan Zhendong results from club signings and the success of those players. A local hero also emerges from the personality of the player and then becomes one for the league naturally."

Werner (Grünwettersbach): "Yes, Timo was the player of the league over all these years. He surely won't be bored now – that much is certain. I hope he’ll now have more time for his family. You can’t appreciate enough what he has done for this sport.
I believe the league itself is the 'star'. In the TTBL, every club has something special – with its players, the arenas, and the fans. It’s the 'complete package' that makes the league, not just one so-called local hero."

Hampl (Bad Homburg): "Timo was a global star and a flagship figure for our entire sport. It will be hard to have a player like him again. But what really matters are the teams. Still, there are some German players who could follow in Timo’s footsteps."

Albert (Bad Königshofen): "Of course you need a flagship player. For us, it was long-time local hero Kilian Ort, and later 'Basti' Steger as another Bavarian. Now, Filip Zeljko is essentially our local hero in his tenth season with us. It’s especially important to integrate young German players again – like we’ve done now with André Bertelsmeier."

Stecher (Mühlhausen): "The footsteps left by the legend and icon Timo Boll are, of course, enormous. They first need to be filled – and that requires the efforts of the league and all clubs to create new hero stories and put new players in the spotlight – preferably as soon as possible. We now have Fan Zhendong, but all German national players in the TTBL are not only top performers on the court, but also charismatic, articulate, and fan favorites. And new, exciting players are coming into the TTBL. We’re heading full steam into the future of German table tennis and the TTBL."

Pejinovic (Ochsenhausen): "What does 'local hero' really mean? That’s something everyone has to define for themselves. For us, a local hero would have been someone like Simon Gauzy or Hugo Calderano – players who more or less developed with us. For others, a local hero simply means a German player – and that means there has to be a pipeline. I think it’s all about having the right mix."

Barrois (Saarbrücken): "Patrick Franziska would, without question, be a great face of the league – not only is he strong athletically, but also a real fan favorite. In addition, we have Dang Qiu and Benedikt Duda, two players who have established themselves nationally and internationally and who excite fans. Combined with international stars, this creates a package that makes the TTBL more exciting than ever before."

What are your expectations for the new season? What are you particularly excited about?

Duda (Bergneustadt): "Exciting matches with unpredictable results and hopefully a long and open race for the play-off spots."

Greber (Bremen): "There will be many surprises, and much will depend on daily form. What also makes this year interesting is that many teams are competing for the play-offs."

Preuß (Düsseldorf): "I expect a very exciting season. Because teams don’t always play with their full line-ups, we will likely see a seven- or even eight-way battle for the four play-off spots.
The cup competition will also be intense. The league may have become even closer and more competitive, and that will make it incredibly attractive."

Reitemeyer (Dortmund): "I expect top-level matches and a thrilling finish as several teams battle for fourth place in the main round."

Frauenholz (Fulda-Maberzell): "Attractive matchups and world-class table tennis."

Ströher (Grenzau): "I’m curious to see which teams show up with which players and when. Specifically for us, I hope for an injury-free season."

Werner (Grünwettersbach): "I expect exciting matches and a tight 'midfield', which I believe will range from fourth to twelfth place. I’m also curious about how the league continues to evolve. As I’ve said, I hope the league finds a naming partner or additional sponsors. I believe the TTBL will then grow in a broader, more sustainable way."

Hampl (Bad Homburg): "I’m generally excited, because I think we have a good mix in the Bundesliga and there will be some interesting matches. There are also a few young players in the league, and I’m really curious to see how they continue to develop. It’s going to be a very interesting season."

Albert (Bad Königshofen): "We expect a very exciting season. The teams are all fairly evenly matched – anyone can beat anyone, unless Saarbrücken plays with its full squad, then it will be tough for everyone."

Stecher (Mühlhausen): "Like last season, I expect high tension, drama, grit, adrenaline, passion, and more drama – at the top, bottom, and in the middle of the table. There are no weak teams anymore, and the top of the table will be incredibly competitive because literally anyone can beat anyone.
For our own team, we’re excited to see how the new lineup with three new players, especially German champion Kai Stumper, will gel. Overall, there are exciting projects across the league, with good and continually improving infrastructures and highly professional clubs. For all these reasons, I’m really looking forward to the new season and am excited and motivated down to my very last hair."

Pejinovic (Ochsenhausen): "Personally, I’m interested to see how our team performs after the transition following the end of our successful last season. After such a reset, it’s always tough when you’re still in the building phase. Overall, I expect a tight race at the top and a season full of high-quality table tennis for the fans."

Barrois (Saarbrücken): "After a tough last season, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how we develop as a team. We know that the league is more balanced than ever – there are no weak teams anymore. Every point will be hard-fought, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. At the same time, I’m looking forward to the big names and thrilling matchups that will define the TTBL this season."

The title will be decided at the end of the season in a new format: Final Four instead of playoffs and a final match. How do you assess this reform?

Duda (Bergneustadt): "Very positive: fewer scheduling issues and a super highlight weekend for table tennis fans."

Greber (Bremen): "There are two aspects that make this new format a good decision: It eases the scheduling pressure and saves two matchdays – that’s very important. And last but not least, we know from the cup competition that the Final Four is very attractive for spectators and the media."

Preuß (Düsseldorf): "I have mixed feelings on this topic as a supporter of the playoff concept. But the new model is the only way to reduce the number of fixtures. The Champions League has also been reformed and now has significantly fewer matches. All club teams are now under 30 scheduled matches, and no player will play more than 25 times – most will play fewer than 20 times. That applies to the entire league.
International table tennis has gained importance, even though there’s not necessarily more money at that level, but it has improved overall thanks to reforms by the world federation. Players are now forced to regularly attend international tournaments. For the players’ well-being, for the integrity of the competition, and actually also to strengthen the league, we’ve now reduced the number of fixtures. Overall, I see this as a positive step. We now have a contemporary scheduling structure and are well positioned."

Reitemeyer (Dortmund): "I support the reform."

Frauenholz (Fulda-Maberzell): "In view of the packed schedule for many players, this is a very good solution."

Ströher (Grenzau): "It’s fundamentally a good idea and worth trying."

Werner (Grünwettersbach): "For me, this is the only logical solution given the jam-packed calendar. There are so few available days left for matches that it makes little sense to hold playoffs with home-and-away legs and possibly a deciding match. Of course, opinions are divided on this, but for me, it’s the right decision if you want to stick with the playoff concept."

Hampl (Bad Homburg): "This is something new again. You should always explore new paths, and if this brings full arenas, it’s a great thing – especially since the media impact will be greater. I believe that if the new system is implemented well, it can even be an improvement over the previous format."

Albert (Bad Königshofen): "We’re curious to see how the format will be received and accepted by the fans. We’re looking forward to the reform – and all TTBL clubs have supported it."

Stecher (Mühlhausen): "I believe the reform is a thoughtful and future-oriented decision, which I strongly support. The excitement won't diminish, as there are sporting incentives right up until the end of the regular season. All in all, this new model as a super event will strengthen the TTBL."

Pejinovic (Ochsenhausen): "I very much welcome the new format. Even though it’s a bit painful to lose the chance to host a semifinal match at home, this decision aligns with the times, with current circumstances, and with what fans and spectators want. Decisive matches in a single arena are much more attractive – also for the athletes and the media."

Barrois (Saarbrücken): "We see the Final Four as an exciting new development. We’ve had good experiences with this format in the Champions League and the cup – the atmosphere at a final weekend is something very special. Ideally, we want to contribute to the sporting success of the event and help make the Final Four a true highlight in the German table tennis calendar."

Survey by: Florian Manzke