BIPA Becomes Official Partner of Vienna’s Girls’ Academy
Beginning with the 2026/27 season, Austrian drugstore chain BIPA will support the girls’ teams of First Vienna FC 1894, which comprise around 100 players. The partnership, agreed for an initial two seasons, forms part of BIPA’s “Ehrlich gesagt” (“Honestly Speaking”) initiative, which aims to empower girls and women and openly address women’s issues—now also on the football pitch.
Vienna established its own women’s department in 1989, becoming the first professional football club in Austria to do so. Since then, the club has developed into one of the country’s leading forces in women’s football, competing at the highest level, qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and producing numerous youth and senior international players. With the largest girls’ academy in Austria, Vienna is laying the foundation for the next generation.
This is precisely where BIPA comes in. Ninety-seven percent of the company’s employees and the majority of its customers are women, making empowerment, self-determination, and equal opportunities central values rather than side issues. Through “Ehrlich gesagt,” BIPA has been bringing women-specific topics such as health, mental strength, work-life balance, and self-confidence into the public discourse since 2025—deliberately involving men as well, because women’s issues concern everyone.
From the Pitch into Everyday Life
The partnership includes an awareness campaign on the physical health of girls and women in sport, a social media challenge, and the “First Vienna Girls’ Talent Identification Training by BIPA,” which aims to make it easier for young talents to take their first steps in football.
In this way, the sponsorship becomes more than financial support—it creates a platform that provides girls with role models, visibility, and self-confidence.
Kurt Svoboda, President of First Vienna FC 1894, said:
"We are proud that BIPA has committed itself to supporting women’s football, and especially girls’ football, at Vienna. Everyone knows the importance these areas have within the Vienna family. Through the commitment of our new partner, we want to continue developing and create even better conditions for the future. Thank you for your trust, and here’s to a successful partnership."
Daniela Reumann, Managing Director of BIPA, added:
"Honestly speaking, whether a girl dares to believe in herself is often decided at a very early age. Sport strengthens self-confidence, promotes health, and fosters togetherness—this is exactly why this commitment is such a perfect fit for BIPA. We are giving around 100 young players a boost and hope to inspire many more through our channels."
Launch at the Women’s World Cup Public Viewing Event
The partnership was officially announced on June 22, 2026, in front of a large audience. During a public viewing event for Austria’s Women’s World Cup match against Argentina, Vienna, together with BIPA and BILLA, welcomed around 600 guests to the Hohe Warte Stadium, including numerous customers.
Before kick-off, the partners presented their new collaboration, while experienced Austrian football figures such as Peter Stöger provided expert analysis of the match. It was a fitting atmosphere for a partnership whose message is clear: girls’ football belongs in the spotlight.
About BIPA
BIPA is Austria’s modern, value-oriented drugstore chain for care, beauty, and well-being. With more than 15,000 international branded products and its own brands such as LOOK BY BIPA, bi good, Babywell, BI CARE, BI HOME, BI LIFE, and BI STYLED, BIPA offers a comprehensive range covering beauty, haircare, fragrances, baby products, dental care, and health.
For more than 45 years, BIPA has served around 3.3 million loyal customers and offers attractive promotions and benefits through its partnership with the jö Bonus Club. The company is a leader in customer satisfaction and employs more than 4,000 people across approximately 570 stores. With a workforce consisting of 98 percent women, BIPA places a strong emphasis on work-life balance and was once again recognized as a family-friendly employer by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Families and Youth in 2020.
