DSV Leoben: From bankruptcy to the Kartnigs-Werbeprofi-Arena”!

DSV Leoben: From bankruptcy to the Kartnigs-Werbeprofi-Arena”!

DSV Leoben is facing a new beginning. After forced relegation due to bankruptcy, the club will play in the national league from next season. This decision came after turbulent months in which the club's management did everything it could to secure the club's financial future. Despite the challenges, DSV Leoben managed to secure financing for the 2024/2025 season with the support of PAC Immobilien Consulting GmbH, which will take over the remaining outstanding financing until the end of June 2025.

The financial situation was additionally burdened by the surprising termination of the sponsorship contract with TGI Gold in December 2024. Potential negotiations with TGI were intensified after an acquittal in March 2025, but there was a sudden cancellation of further cooperation. In view of these difficulties, those responsible are actively looking for solutions to stabilize the club and prevent it from falling into the lowest leagues.

About the new stadium name

As part of a broader restructuring plan, DSV Leoben has launched a competition to find a new name for the stadium. Participation cost 1,000 euros and is aimed at both companies and private individuals. The winner of the competition received the opportunity to act as the arena's namesake. The choice fell on the new name “Kartnigs-Werbeprofi-Arena”, which indicates the support of Hannes Kartnig, the former president of Sturm Graz. His son, Gerald Kartnig, runs the advertising company and is also involved in the club.

DSV Leoben hopes to bring a breath of fresh air into the club's history with this step and at the same time draw attention to possible new sponsors. Developments show that support from sponsors is becoming increasingly difficult for many sports clubs. Across the entire sports landscape, a withdrawal of patrons and medium-sized businesses can be observed, while the costs of supporting sports are rising and the benefits appear to be decreasing. This not only affects Leoben, but also a large number of clubs in a tense financial situation.

Requirements and outlook

DSV Leoben made a clear statement on the current situation and emphasized that they remained loyal despite the challenges. Boards of directors are required to develop new strategies. The upcoming general meeting on April 24, 2025 will therefore be of great importance: not only will new board members be elected, but important topics will also be put up for discussion in order to stabilize the association in difficult waters.

The financial turmoil is not just a local challenge, but appears to be part of a larger problem in German and Austrian sport, where many clubs are experiencing similar fates. DSV Leoben appeals to all supporters to stand together in this critical phase and actively help to ensure the future of the club.

In these challenging times, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop for DSV Leoben and whether the new stadium name is a sign of a positive turnaround.