Borussia Dortmund is currently viewed as the most significant competitor to Bayern Munich within the Bundesliga, often described as the 'best of the rest.' As the league navigates its competitive hierarchy, Dortmund has taken a firm stance on preserving the traditional nature of German football events.

During the recent Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, discussions regarding the commercialization of the sport came to the forefront. Unlike some European leagues that have moved their season openers to neutral or foreign territories to increase global visibility, Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer explicitly stated that German fans would not accept such a move. The club argues that the Supercup should retain the atmosphere of a high-stakes domestic match rather than functioning as a global exhibition or 'showpiece.'

This perspective highlights a broader tension within the Bundesliga: the desire to remain competitive with other major European leagues while maintaining the cultural identity and fan-centric traditions that define German football. While Bayern Munich remains the benchmark for success, Dortmund’s insistence on keeping the game local reflects a strategic choice to prioritize the domestic supporter base over international expansion efforts. The club’s leadership maintains that the intensity of the Bundesliga is tied to its local roots, suggesting that shifting these events abroad would diminish the competitive spirit and the connection between the clubs and their supporters.