What's happened
The European Football Alliance (EFA) has terminated its cooperation with the European League of Football (ELF), citing failure to meet financial and transparency standards. EFA plans to establish its own NFL-style league, potentially merging with the newly formed American Football League Europe. The move marks a significant shift in European American football's structure ahead of the 2026 season.
What's behind the headline?
The collapse of the ELF-EFA partnership underscores the fragility of European American football's league structures. The EFA's move to create an NFL-style league governed by franchises suggests a shift toward a more sustainable, financially transparent model. This could lead to a merger with the new AFLE, consolidating efforts to develop the sport. The decision reflects broader challenges in balancing economic stability with competitive integrity, and indicates that European American football is entering a period of significant transformation. The success of the new league will depend on its ability to attract investment, maintain transparency, and foster local talent, potentially setting a precedent for other emerging sports leagues.
What the papers say
AP News reports that the EFA severed its partnership with ELF after failing to meet standards for financial stability and transparency, despite initial cooperation agreements. The ELF, launched in 2021, had focused on developing local talent but faced internal disagreements and team defections. Meanwhile, the potential merger with the AFLE, announced in December, could reshape the landscape of European American football. The ongoing restructuring highlights the sport's struggle to establish a sustainable, competitive league system in Europe, with stakeholders seeking a model akin to the NFL's franchise governance. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as the new league plans take shape.
How we got here
The ELF launched in Germany in 2021 with eight teams, expanding to 16 in 2025, but faced internal issues as many teams shifted to the EFA, which was created in July 2025. The EFA aimed to promote structural reform, economic fairness, and transparency, contrasting with ELF's focus on homegrown talent and limited foreign players. The recent breakdown signals a potential reorganization of European American football leagues.
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