In the world of German football, Munich stands as one of the most iconic cities—home to rich traditions, passionate fans, and clubs that have shaped Bundesliga history. So, what Bundesliga teams are in Munich right now? HartGoal takes you inside the facts, the giants, and the stories behind Munich’s football identity.
Munich’s top-tier presence in the Bundesliga
When asking what Bundesliga teams are in Munich, the short answer is: only one club currently competes in the Bundesliga from Munich — FC Bayern München.
FC Bayern München
- Founded: 1900
- Stadium: Allianz Arena, capacity ~75,000
- Achievements: Most Bundesliga titles by far; multiple Champions League trophies among many domestic and European honors.
Bayern is both the face of Munich in the Bundesliga and one of the defining powers in German and European football. As of the current 2025-26 season, they remain the city’s only representative in the top flight.
Other major Munich clubs & their current league status
Though only Bayern is in the Bundesliga this season, Munich has other clubs with substantial history and fanbases that once fought in the Bundesliga or aim to return.
TSV 1860 München (“The Lions”)
- Current league: 3. Liga (third tier of German football).
- Historical significance: Founding member of the Bundesliga in 1963; won the Bundesliga once (1966); won DFB-Pokal too.
- Recent performance: They’ve struggled with promotions/relegations, finances, and licensing issues. Their current goal is climbing back up.
Other Munich clubs
There are smaller clubs based in Munich (e.g. Türkgücü München, FC Wacker München, Bayern II), but none are in the Bundesliga currently. Bayern II (the reserve team of FC Bayern) is not eligible to compete in the top two tiers in some cases; other clubs are further down the league pyramid.
Why Munich doesn’t have more Bundesliga teams — for now
To truly understand what Bundesliga teams are in Munich today, it helps to look at structural and historical realities:
- Promotion & relegation: Only clubs that finish at or near the top of their league can move up; financial stability, stadium capacity, licensing also matter.
- Resources & competition: Bayern’s dominance in Munich (and Germany) means it can attract best players, finances, and prestige. Other clubs face stee.
- Fanbase & infrastructure: While clubs like 1860 have passionate support, they often lack the stadium size, commercial power, or broader reach to sustain Bundesliga campaigns in the long term.
Historical snapshot: Clubs, here are some Munich clubs that have been in the Bundesliga, how they fared, and where they are now:
- FC Bayern München — continuous presence, multiple championships.
- TSV 1860 München — founding member; Bundesliga champions in 1966; fluctuating status, now in 3. Liga.
- Bayern II (reserves) — played in lower divisions; not allowed in Bundesliga or 2. Bundesliga when parent club is present.
- Smaller Munich clubs (e.g. Türkgücü München) have challenged in lower leagues but have not had sustained Bundesliga presence.
What does this mean for fans and the rivalry?
Because there is only one Munich club in the Bundesliga (Bayern), the city’s internal derby traditions (e.g. Bayern vs 1860) rarely happen at the very top level. Fans of 1860 long for a return to the Bundesliga so that Munich can again host high-stakes local battles in the top flight. Bayern’s dominance also casts long shadows over local media, sponsorships, and attention. But that only deepens the underdog narrative — something the Munich community thrives on.
Conclusion
What Bundesliga teams are in Munich? Right now, it’s FC Bayern München standing alone in the Bundesliga. Other clubs like TSV 1860 München carry the legacy and hope, battling in lower divisions with eyes set on climbing up.
If you’re eager for more on Munich’s football culture, player profiles, promotion battles, or Bavarian derbies — HartGoal has you covered. Dive into our other articles to learn which clubs are pushing for promotion, the history of Munich derbies, or how Bayern maintains its dominance.
