DARMSTADT, GERMANY - APRIL 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally enhanced.) The Derbystar matchball is seen during the 2. Bundesliga match between SV Darmstadt 98 and SV 07 Elversberg at Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor on April 25, 2026 in Darmstadt, Germany. (Photo by Simon Hofmann/Bundesliga/Bundesliga Collection via Getty Images)

The new U21 competition complements the existing league system without requiring the removal of second teams.