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The cities of Ulm and Neu-Ulm, as well as the entire region, are eagerly awaiting the Liebherr Cup Final Four. When the table tennis superstars battle it out for the first title of the year on January 4, 2026, thousands of fans will once again be in attendance at the ratiopharm arena, creating a unique atmosphere. Representatives of the cities and the organizing Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL) got in the mood for the event at a joint meeting at the table tennis table in Ulm City Hall.

Around 5,000 spectators flocked to the Liebherr Cup Final Four in previous years, transforming the ratiopharm arena Ulm/Neu-Ulm into a cauldron of excitement. This season's top event also promises to be an unforgettable experience, as numerous superstars have announced their participation alongside the top teams: 1. FC Saarbrücken TT, TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen, TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, and TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg will battle it out in the semifinals on January 4, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. on two parallel tables for a place in the final, where the title will be decided.

There is huge anticipation for the event in the region, and demand for tickets is equally high. “The Liebherr Cup Final Four is a sporting highlight that is very dear to us,” said Ulm's mayor Martin Ansbacher on Friday at a joint meeting in Ulm City Hall. “The event is recognized nationwide and puts our cities on the map around the world. This benefits the entire region. Seeing the table tennis stars up close is also a highlight for clubs in popular sports. The speed, athleticism, and precision are simply fascinating.”

Liebherr Cup Final Four: Great enthusiasm in the region

This is the eleventh time that the Liebherr Cup Final Four has been hosted by the twin cities. The mayor of Neu-Ulm, Katrin Albsteiger, emphasized the importance of the sport: “Sport is very important for the entire region, both in popular sports and in top-class sports. We are very strong in both fields,” she said, also revealing which colors she will be wearing on January 4, 2026: “We are very pleased that we are not only the venue, but that Ochsenhausen, a team from the region, will also be participating. It's especially nice to be able to cheer on a team from the region at such an event. Of course, we're keeping our fingers crossed for the reigning cup winners Ochsenhausen.”

If you want to be there and cheer on the players when the first title of the year is decided, visit the ticket shop of the organizing Table Tennis Bundesliga (TTBL).

Local heroes Ochsenhausen hope to defend their title

Katrin Albsteiger won't be the only one cheering on TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen on January 4, 2026 – most of the spectators in the ratiopharm arena will be too. Ochsenhausen is only about 35 kilometers away from the arena as the crow flies, so countless fans will be there to loudly support their local heroes. “For us, it's like a home game here in Ulm/Neu-Ulm,” said TTF President Kristijan Pejinovic, who will be fielding a powerful team led by double world champion Shunsuke Togami. “We fought hard to be in the Final Four again this season. And of course we will do everything we can to defend our title. We'll see what happens on January 4.”

However, the competition has stepped up its game after Ochsenhausen won both the championship and the cup last year. 1. FC Saarbrücken TT has secured the services of Olympic champion Fan Zhendong, causing a table tennis hype. China is also keeping a close eye on how the five-time singles world champion is doing in Germany. With Patrick Franziska and Darko Jorgic, FCS also has two other world-class players and is therefore considered the favorite to win all competitions. TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell, led by Germany's “Mr. Olympia” Dimitrij Ovtcharov, added Jonathan Groth to its already strong squad. And TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg, coached by legendary coach Helmut Hampl, impressively knocked out record cup winners Borussia Düsseldorf in the quarterfinals and now wants to cause another sensation in the Liebherr Cup Final Four.

TTBL looks forward to a table tennis festival with world-class players

During the press conference, representatives of the cities and the Table Tennis Bundesliga even took to the table tennis table themselves. The relaxed doubles exhibition match in the town hall has also become a beloved tradition.

“We have a great partnership here. The whole region supports the event, including the two cities, the numerous partners, and, of course, the fans,” said Nico Stehle, Managing Director of the Table Tennis Bundesliga, expressing his gratitude to the entire region. "The Liebherr Cup Final Four is being held at the ratiopharm arena for the eleventh time, and we are seeing steady growth not only in terms of spectators, but also in terms of enthusiasm and atmosphere. We are very pleased about this. We bring world-class table tennis to the ratiopharm arena – but it is the fans who make it an event, an experience. That's why we are all really looking forward to being back there soon. The Liebherr Cup Final Four will once again be a table tennis festival with a world-class line-up."

Liebherr Cup Final Four on January 4, 2026

Semifinals, starting at 11 a.m.
Semifinal 1: TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell – TTC OE Clarity-Telefonie Systeme Bad Homburg
Semifinal 2: TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen – 1. FC Saarbrücken TT

Final, immediately following
Winner of semifinal 1 – Winner of semifinal 2

Tickets for specific seats can be ordered from the TTBL ticket shop, by phone at 0761 888499 99, and at all known advance sales outlets.

Featured image above: Kristijan Pejinovic (President of TTF Liebherr Ochsenhausen), Katrin Albsteiger (Mayor of Neu-Ulm), Martin Ansbacher (Mayor of Ulm), and Nico Stehle (Managing Director of the Table Tennis Bundesliga) (Photo: Südwest Presse)