EFA teams will not participate in the ELF starting with the 2026 season
The European Football Alliance (EFA) has confirmed that, after an in-depth and thorough internal review, its teams will not participate in the European League of Football (ELF) starting with the 2026 season.
This decision reflects what the Alliance considers to be best for the long-term health, stability, and growth of American football in Europe. The EFA underlines that there is no ambiguity: the organization and its teams have no intention of competing in the ELF in 2026 or beyond. Its path forward is built on transparency, business sustainability, and alignment with the best practices of professional sports governance.
The ELF’s financial instability, lack of transparency, contractual breaches are regarded as incompatible with the EFA’s vision of a league where clubs are true partners in both governance and revenue sharing. The Alliance emphasizes that Europe’s fans, players, coaches, and investors deserve a structure that ensures integrity, transparency, and sustainability.
The EFA is now focused on building a modern, NFL-style ownership and governance model in partnership with leading European franchises, with more details about structure, calendar, and partners to be released later this year. A key priority is to create a league that is centered on the fans and their experience, while also delivering the desired outcomes for our partners.
To the fans, sponsors, and investors: rest assured, professional football will be played in 2026.
About the European Football Alliance (EFA): The European Football Alliance (EFA) is an association of leading American football franchises in Europe, established in July 2025 und includes the following franchises: Rhein Fire, Paris Musketeers, Madrid Bravos, Vienna Vikings, Tirol Raiders, Frankfurt Galaxy, Wroclaw Panthers, Prague Lions, Nordic Storm, Stuttgart Surge and Berlin Thunder. Evolving from the ELF Franchise Association (founded in April 2024), the EFA was created to strengthen cooperation among professional franchises, enhance operational standards, and support the sustainable development of American football across Europe.
Contact | European Football Alliance (EFA)
E-Mail: contact@efa.football