Borussia Dortmund confirms long-term contract extensions for key executives

Borussia Dortmund has secured its leadership team for the coming years with early contract extensions for its three managing directors. Carsten Cramer, Lars Ricken and Thomas Treß have all signed new deals, ensuring stability at the top of the Bundesliga leaders.

The club announced the moves on Monday. Cramer, who has been spokesperson of the executive board since last November, was appointed Chairman with immediate effect. His contract now runs until 30 June 2031. Lars Ricken, the managing director for sport since May 2024, extended his deal by three years to 2030. Thomas Treß, responsible for finance, organisation and legal affairs, will stay until 2028 but plans to leave the executive management afterwards.

Watzke expresses confidence

Hans-Joachim Watzke, who was elected president in November 2025, voiced his approval. "I have great confidence in Carsten Cramer and the entire management board," he said. Watzke cited the team's experience and competence, as well as key strategic initiatives. "With the new corporate strategy and the initiated bylaws process, important projects have been launched to make Borussia Dortmund future-proof in sporting, economic, structural and cultural terms."

Carsten Cramer, with the club since 2010 and a managing director since 2018, emphasised his goal to lead the club in a future-oriented manner. He aims for sporting success, economic stability and firm roots in the club's values.

Context and outlook

The contract extensions arrive during a period of strong on-field performance. Borussia Dortmund sits top of the Bundesliga with 12 points from four games and has won all five competitive matches this season. This form and the clear leadership structure are seen as a foundation for upcoming challenges, including the next home fixture against Werder Bremen on 9 October.

While Cramer and Ricken are planning for the long term, Thomas Treß's departure is already set. The executive, who has been on the board since 2006, will leave operational management when his contract expires in summer 2028. He then intends to focus on independent consulting work and mandates on supervisory and control boards of other companies. He will remain available to advise Borussia Dortmund on request. The contracts of fellow managing director Svenja Schlenker, responsible for human resources, remain unchanged and run until 2028.

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