RB Leipzig Plans to Reactivate Its Second Team

RB Leipzig is considering reactivating its second team, which was disbanded nearly ten years ago. Volkmar Beier, vice president of the Saxon Soccer Association (SFV), confirmed this to “Sport im Osten.” According to media reports, RB Managing Director Tatjana Haenni had previously announced the plan publicly at a sponsor event.

“We’ve already had some preliminary discussions on this topic in recent weeks. RB has also inquired about the relevant procedures in accordance with our competition rules. We have reviewed these together,” said Beier. “As the Saxon Football Association, we are therefore aware of these considerations. However, we have not yet received a formal application.”

The club would have to submit an application to the association by March 1, 2027. RB Leipzig II could then begin competing in the 2027–28 season. This would give U19 talents the opportunity to remain with RB after completing their youth careers and eventually make the leap to the professional team.

Rangnick Disbanded the Team

Under former sporting director Ralf Rangnick, RB had withdrawn its second team, which was playing in the Regionalliga at the time. According to Rangnick, the effort involved was out of proportion to the return. Furthermore, a potential promotion to the 3. Liga would have required additional investment.

A fresh start would now have to take place in the sixth-tier Sachsenliga. Dynamo Dresden had already taken this step; Dynamo II now plays in the Oberliga.

Beier does not see a security issue with the return of RB’s second team. The issue is not new to the club. “About 15 years ago, the second team played in the Landesliga and was also represented in the Oberliga and Regionalliga in the years that followed. So we can draw on that experience and would work with the club to update the necessary framework accordingly,” said the official. Many soccer traditionalists reject the club, which was founded by an investor.