Future Uncertainty: The Angels Nördlingen Face Challenges in the Basketball Bundesliga

The Angels Nördlingen have been inspiring Nördlingen in the basketball Bundesliga for 16 years. And things almost couldn’t have gone better this season either: safely reaching the play-offs, nothing to do with relegation, Nördlingen women are even represented in the top 4 tournament for the first time in four years – from a sporting perspective: a high.

But off the floor, those responsible like Angels sports director Martin Fürleger are concerned about the future. Because after this season the Angels could be over. There is an acute risk of falling. “We are playing one of the best seasons we have ever seen in Nördlingen. And yet somehow we are also talking about the plausibility of whether it can be over as the only team in Bavaria,” said Fürleger.

Further development and professionalization

No more angels? Fürleger and former athletic director Kurt Witmann have been pondering the future of women’s basketball in Nördlingen for weeks. The trigger is the decisions to further develop and professionalize the first women’s basketball league (DBBL).

Since the end of last year, the following applies: Among other things, a full-time position in the office must be filled and uniform equipment for the game and throwing clock must be provided. And from the coming season, the focus will be on German youth work: In addition to a full-time youth coach, the number of German players in the team is also set to continually increase. In addition, the framework conditions will be optimized in the future: the league wants to increase the attractiveness for television broadcasts with LED boards and a pure playing surface. There is also a minimum size of the arcades.

The league should become more attractive until the home World Cup in 2026

The league should become better, more attractive and more visible – also with a view to the home World Cup in 2026. This wishful thinking meets harsh reality in traditional clubs with a lot of volunteer commitment. First of all, in Nördlingen there is a lack of budget to be able to cover full-time positions and license costs. “We have to commit or have signed contracts worth €75,000 by April 20th in order to be able to submit a serious license application,” explains Fürleger, who has been with the Angels Nördlingen for seven years. Otherwise, you have to think about whether and how things can continue with the Angels.

Budget would have to increase significantly

The Angels already meet many of the required standards such as the LED boards, head coach with A license and the specified hall capacity. But the budget in tranquil Nördlingen is around 300,000 euros, one of the smallest in the league comparison: now it is expected to increase by around a third within a few weeks – a sporting project.

Different locations, different challenges: Other Bundesliga clubs are also struggling with the new requirements, as they informed BR24Sport in writing. In Osnabrück there is a professional structure in the youth sector, but there is no hall with the required audience capacity.

“There is generally no hall in Osnabrück that allows more than 900 spectators and covers the sporting conditions specifically for the professional sector. We are trying everything to be able to play in the 1st Bundesliga in the future, but it is also clear that the city Osnabrück has to want that too.” Sascha Bartsch, Managing Director Osnabrücker Sportclub eV

The clubs are looking for supporters

The Angels are also looking for help from the municipality and politics: a meeting with the mayor and the district administrator is imminent. Is there enough time for a reaction? Unlikely. Nördlingen or Osnabrück feel abandoned because the league cannot provide any financial support. Professionalization: regardless of losses? “That’s difficult,” says Philipp Reuner, managing director of the women’s basketball Bundesliga. It was emphasized from the beginning that “we would like to take every Bundesliga team with us and stay in touch with each other about how we can perhaps implement this in one place or another.”

Further development: at what price? A trend like that in women’s football seems to be emerging: the composition of the league as a reflection of men. Because large clubs like Alba Berlin should have fewer problems with the new standards. Others would have to give way sooner or later. Even if it’s hard to believe, for the sake of progress, clubs like Freiburg would even be relegated voluntarily.

“Then personal sensitivities and vanities have to take a back seat. When we meet in ten years: Nördlingen, Freiburg and Marburg have disappeared and there are Bavaria, Alba Berlin and Ludwigsburg. Then we can shake hands and say: We’re in a good place led the way.” Harald Janson, sporting director Eisvogel USC Freiburg

Niche sport despite success

“If you look at the Nördlingen location, the second division is basically not an option,” says Fürleger. And adds: “Due to regulations, lack of university, lack of adult players, where I can simply reinforce with two foreign professionals. That won’t work in Nördlingen!”

As is often the case, the Angels have come down to earth financially. Despite all the successes, women’s basketball in Swabia is a niche sport and national marketing is difficult. What further actions are necessary for survival? Not yet foreseeable. But: It can only happen together. “If you want women’s sports to continue, for the Angels to continue, for projects in the youth sector and in the inclusion sector to continue, then we simply need support from outside. Without it it won’t work.”

Are the league’s wishes too great?

The club now wants to save even more. “Now we take the euro and turn it over three times,” said Fürleger, before deciding whether to do something or not.

Lower budget, worse team, less attractive: the reality is harsh. The league’s wishes are too great, the implementation comes too quickly. No Angels? After 16 years in the Bundesliga, time could be running out.

2024-03-15 16:18:54
#Basketball #Acute #risk #crash #Angels #Nördlingen