Borussia Dortmund’s partnership with the arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, announced in May 2024, drew protests from supporters who found it hard to reconcile with the club’s values. The club’s elected fan representatives said they had raised concerns about the deal’s sensitivity, its communication, and its fit with BVB’s values. CEO Carsten Cramer has accepted the criticism while defending the partnership on security and defence grounds. The Rheinmetall partnership is separate from BVB’s main shirt sponsorship, which is held by Vodafone.
What the Rheinmetall deal is, and what it is not
Most readers searching this topic mix up two different commercial arrangements. The controversy concerns the Rheinmetall partnership. The shirt, which carries the most visible sponsor branding, is a separate contract.
| Item | Rheinmetall partnership | Vodafone main shirt sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Role at BVB | “Champion partner” on BVB’s website, as described by Associated Press (AP) in a report dated 11 December 2025 | Sole main shirt sponsor in all competitions, per BVB’s announcement dated 26 May 2025 |
| Announced | May 2024 | 26 May 2025 |
| Stated term | Three years, per AP’s December 2025 report | Minimum term through 30 June 2030 |
| Start | Not stated in the sources reviewed | 2025/26 season |
| Financial value | Not stated in the sources reviewed | Not stated in the sources reviewed |
| Current status | Not verified in the sources reviewed as of October 2026 | Shown as primary kit sponsor in BVB’s 2025/26 annual report |
The earlier shirt sponsors, Evonik and 1&1, ended their shirt contracts after 2024/25. Evonik remained a Champion Partner, according to the same club announcement.
How the dispute unfolded
- May 2024: Fan representatives were told that a possible Rheinmetall partnership was under discussion and were asked for feedback. The deal itself was announced the same month.
- 29 May 2024: BVB’s Fan- und Förderabteilung published a statement saying representatives had quickly raised concerns about the partnership’s sensitivity, its communication, and whether it fitted the club’s values.
- 2024 AGM: According to AP, a majority of members present voted against further cooperation with Rheinmetall. AP does not report a vote count.
- 2024/25 season opener: Protests against the deal marked BVB’s first home game of the season, according to AP.
- 11 December 2025: In an AP report, Cramer said he accepted the criticism but remained committed to the three-year deal, and defended it on security grounds.
Why supporters objected
A values conflict
The core objection is about identity. Critics saw a football club, whose public image rests on fans, community and local belonging, entering a commercial relationship with a company that makes weapons. For these supporters the question was not whether the money was useful, but whether a club that speaks for its members should be associated with defence manufacturing at all.
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A process complaint
Representatives also questioned how the club handled the matter. Their concerns were about communication and timing as much as the sponsor itself: fans were asked for feedback on a deal that had already been discussed at a high level, and the club’s handling of that feedback became part of the dispute.
Consultation is not approval
The fan organisation rejected media reports that fans had reached a democratic agreement or held a vote. Its statement, in German, reads: “Aktuelle Medien-Berichterstattungen, es hätte in diesem Zusammenhang ein demokratisches Einvernehmen seitens der Fans oder gar eine Abstimmung hierzu gegeben, weisen wir ausdrücklich zurück.” In English: “We expressly reject current media reports that there was democratic agreement on the part of the fans or even a vote on this matter.” The distinction matters. Being consulted by representatives is different from approval by supporters, and the fan side insisted on that difference.
Rank #2
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- SWEAT-WICKING PERFORMANCE: dryCELL moisture-wicking technology helps keep you dry and comfortable from warmup to stoppage time.
- OFFICIAL TEAM DETAILS: BVB badge at left chest, sponsor logo centered, and PUMA Cat logo at right chest for official team representation.
- BUILT FOR MOVEMENT: Curved side and underarm panels with a streamlined, regular fit support natural motion on match day and beyond.
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The club’s answer
National security and defence investment
Cramer defended the partnership by pointing to national security and to investment in defence. These are his stated arguments. The sources reviewed do not independently establish what effect the partnership has had on either.
Opening a public debate
Cramer also argued that BVB could help start a public discussion. He framed the club’s role in broader terms, saying: “We are always saying we are more than just a football club.” He also said: “I do accept the criticism.” That combination, accepting the criticism while not withdrawing, is the club’s position as reported in December 2025.
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Rank #4
- ICONIC HOME ENERGY: The 25/26 BVB Home Jersey brings the Yellow and Black to life with a classic base and bold distorted graphics across the chest.
- SWEAT-WICKING PERFORMANCE: dryCELL moisture-wicking technology helps keep you dry and comfortable from warmup to stoppage time.
- OFFICIAL TEAM DETAILS: BVB badge at left chest, sponsor logo centered, and PUMA Cat logo at right chest for official team representation.
- BUILT FOR MOVEMENT: Curved side and underarm panels with a streamlined, regular fit support natural motion on match day and beyond.
- FOREVER BETTER: PUMA is always pushing to be better than we were yesterday. FOREVER BETTER is our commitment to reduce our environmental impact and work together towards a sustainable future. The garment is made with at least 95% recycled materials.
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What the sources do and do not establish
- Organised opposition is documented: there were protests, and a majority of members present at the 2024 AGM voted against further cooperation.
- No source gives the percentage of all BVB supporters who oppose the deal. The AGM result is a vote among those present, not a poll of the fan base.
- No source states the deal’s value, so the commercial weight of the partnership cannot be judged from the public record reviewed.
- The current status of the partnership as of October 2026 has not been verified. The December 2025 AP report describes Rheinmetall’s banner appearing on advertising boards during games, but that does not confirm activity today.
How to check a sponsor claim yourself
- Start with the club’s own announcements, which carry dates and contract terms. For BVB’s shirt deal, that is the 26 May 2025 Vodafone release.
- Check the annual report for the relevant season. BVB’s 2025/26 report lists its main partners.
- Separate the sponsor types. A “champion partner” or board-level partner is not the same as a shirt or kit sponsor, and each can have different start and end dates.
- Treat media reports of votes or agreements with care. Ask whether the body that voted was a full membership ballot, a meeting of those present, or a consultation with representatives.
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