From the past, it's known: the duels between the Violets and the Wolfesses are always exciting. The Violets won three encounters (2x league, 1x cup) in the past season, while the two duels in the championship group ended in draws.
They have now "concluded" the nerve-wracking season finale. "We are ready to write new stories," is the challenge from the defending champions.
St. Pölten as the Huntresses
For the first time since 2012/13, serial champions St. Pölten, after ten consecutive championships, are taking on the unfamiliar role of the huntresses again.
"It's a completely different starting position than in recent years, but it doesn't change our way of working. We still want to be successful game after game, show good football, play efficiently and continuously develop ourselves," said captain Jenny Klein during the season-opening press conference.
The goal for the 2026/27 season is clear: the trophy should return to St. Pölten. Therefore, on Saturday, they want to "start well immediately." The duel with Austria would bring many insights. But: "One game won't decide everything."
Both teams have seen several arrivals and departures. While Austria, for example, could sign national player Verena Hanshaw or Lucia Orkic (Salzburg), the Lower Austrians reinforced their squad with Annalena Wucher (HSV) or Fanny Vago (MTK Budapest), among others.
Sturm and Salzburg lurking?
But the other competition isn't sleeping either. Because besides the double winners from Vienna and the serial champions, there are also other teams that can be really uncomfortable.
"You see the transfers of Sturm Graz, you notice that. Of course, Salzburg too, who also took points away from Austria," Klein notes.
Sie können sich darauf einstellen, dass wir Kampfgeist und Wille haben. Wir wollen das zu 100 Prozent, jede Einzelne gibt bei jedem Match und jedem Training ihre 100 Prozent, obwohl nebenbei noch Studium oder Arbeit ansteht.
For example, the Styrians brought in Sara Pavlovic (Austria Wien) or Brigitta Pullins (Grashoppers Zurich). Salzburg also strengthened its squad with Lena Triendl, a player from the Violets, and another well-known name, Maria Plattner from FC Bayern.
"It's getting tighter and tighter," says Klein. Schiechtl also says: "I believe that we have strengthened ourselves very well, but other teams have also made very good transfers. Therefore, I think it will be very exciting."
Premiere in Women's Football: The Vienna Derby
However, the new season promises a lot of excitement, and not just thanks to the explosive opening match.
With SK Rapid, another big name appears in the standings alongside Austria, Sturm, and Co. "I believe the role of the promoted teams already says a lot," says captain Sandrina Haupt, but she knows: "The first year in the first Bundesliga is never easy."
What can the competition expect? "They can expect us to have fighting spirit and will. We want it 100 percent, every single one gives her 100 percent in every match and every training session, even though studies or work are still pending," explains Haupt.
The promotion of the Green-Whites creates a premiere in Austrian women's football: for the first time, there will be a Vienna Derby, at least twice this season. The first encounter between Violet and Green is scheduled for October at the Violets' home ground.
What can one expect?
Ultimately, it can definitely be stated: an exciting season awaits us in the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga.
The last one was almost impossible to beat in terms of excitement - especially due to the title decision in the final minute, but also the championship group constellation was only decided on the last matchday of the regular season. As with the men, the Women's Bundesliga, after the regular season, is divided into a championship group (four teams) and a qualification group (six teams); points are not divided.
All teams have strengthened themselves well, and the anticipation and excitement for the new season were already palpable at the opening press conference.
So now all that remains is to wait for the weekend, when it's finally time again: Kick-off!
LAOLA1 will stream these matches of the 1st round:
SK Sturm Graz - SCR Altach (Saturday, 2:30 PM, to the stream >>>)
FC Red Bull Salzburg - SpG Südburgenland/TSV Hartberg (Saturday, 2:30 PM, to the stream >>>)
FC Blau-Weiß Linz/Kleinmünchen - LASK (Saturday, 5:00 PM to the stream >>>)
First Vienna FC 1894 - SK Rapid (Sunday, 3:00 PM, to the stream >>>)
