Dortmund reject extension of Rheinmetall partnership after fan backlash

Borussia Dortmund will not renew their sponsorship agreement with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall when the current deal expires on 30 June 2027.

The partnership, which began in 2024, has faced sustained criticism from sections of the club’s support. According to ESPN, Rheinmetall is Germany’s largest arms manufacturer and holds the status of Borussia Dortmund’s “premium partner”.

Borussia Dortmund board member Carsten Cramer said members voted at the club’s 2024 annual general meeting in favour of not extending the arrangement beyond 2027.

“Of course, we took that into account in our discussions with Rheinmetall and treated it seriously,” Cramer said in an interview published on the club’s official website on Friday.

“We are fully aware that our partnership was controversial from the outset.”

German media reported when the agreement was signed that it was worth up to €9m ($10m) per year.

Financial impact

Cramer said the decision would have a direct effect on the club’s finances once the contract ends.

“From summer 2027, we will lose the income generated by the sponsorship agreement,” he said. “That is a fact which will reduce our financial room for manoeuvre.

“We will have to reprioritise our planned investments and carefully consider how we can find viable solutions.”

Rheinmetall’s branding is displayed on advertising boards around the pitch during Borussia Dortmund matches under the existing agreement.

The deal has created varying degrees of tension among the club’s supporters, with some fans going as far as withdrawing their support for the team in protest against the partnership.

The company was founded in 1889 under the name Rheinische Metallwaaren- und Maschinenfabrik Aktiengesellschaft. It was one of Germany’s largest arms manufacturers during both World Wars.

Rheinmetall also used forced labour during the Second World War.

Borussia Dortmund’s decision means the club will continue the partnership until the end of the existing contract but will not seek an extension beyond June 2027.