Bundesliga's New Thursday Match Format Sparks Fan Frustration and Schedule Challenges

The Bundesliga has introduced a new scheduling pattern spreading English week games across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the first Thursday match airing on January 15, 2026, featuring FC Augsburg against Union Berlin at 20:30. This departure from tradition, where Thursdays were typically reserved for European competitions, is part of the Deutsche Fußball-Liga's (DFL) new live rights agreement valid through 2029. Sky, as the principal broadcasting rights holder, plays a significant role in determining these prime match slots.

Union Berlin now faces a testing fixture list, playing two away games in southern Germany within four days—on Thursday against Augsburg and then Sunday against Stuttgart. While the team avoids travel back and forth, fans express frustration over the logistics, travel expenses, and limited options to attend both matches due to the need for spending multiple days in southern Germany or driving approximately 2,400 kilometers.

Union coach Steffen Baumgart remains composed amid the tight schedule, highlighting recent offensive improvements with players Woo-Yeong Jeong and Marin Ljubičić scoring against Mainz, although Andrej Ilic remains goalless this season. Key players like Tim Skarke and Robert Skov remain sidelined.

The decision to schedule Augsburg-Union on Thursday also connects to broader broadcasting considerations. A Thursday game involving Bayern Munich would have disrupted subsequent Sunday matches on DAZN, compelling the league to adapt the schedule accordingly. The scheduling occurred when Sandro Wagner was Augsburg's coach, a period of heightened club visibility.

This strategic move by DFL and Sky introduces more midweek Bundesliga games but also brings logistical challenges and fan dissatisfaction, particularly evident in Union Berlin's southern Germany tour.