EUROPEAN FOOTBALL ALLIANCE EXPANDS TO ELEVEN
The European Football Alliance has grown stronger with the addition of two further teams from the European League of Football joining the nine existing members as a split in the fabric of professional football on the continent grows wider.
Stuttgart Surge and Berlin Thunder, both established organisations in the European professional football sphere, were welcomed to the ‘breakaway’ group during a meeting of all existing EFA franchises in Frankfurt am Main on Tuesday. The alliance, which has dedicated it to transparency, economic fairness and the sustainable development of European football in a reaction to what it sees as the failings of the ELF, will the expansion of its numbers as a sign that it is heading in the right direction, but Stuttgart’s accession is particularly notable after the franchise called for ‘calm heads’ and remained neutral in the first weeks of the dispute.
The Surge join the EFA as a strong sporting contender, supported by new investors and a strong organisational structure that has led to success over the past three seasons, including an appearance in last year’s ELF championship game and return to the playoffs in 2025. With this year’s championship game set to take place in Stuttgart, the franchise continues to expand its profile both on and off the field, and their ambition, on-field performance and engaged fan base should make them a valuable contributor to the alliance’s mission.
Despite struggling at times on the field this season, the Berlin Thunder have been actively involved in shaping the EFA’s development from the outset. As the only EFA franchise based in Germany’s capital, the Thunder provide unique access to one of Europe’s most dynamic sports and media markets, further amplified by the city’s connection to major international events, with Germany’s NFL International Game taking place at the Olympic Stadium in 2025. Currently in a phase of comprehensive restructuring, Berlin is aligning with new strategic partners and investors to strengthen its operational base and prepare for what it hopes will be sustainable success in the coming seasons.
In addition to welcoming the two organisations, the conference also focused on current developments regarding the ELF, as well as further topics such as expanding existing relationships between EFA teams and NFL franchises, sharing best practice models from the NFL and other US sports, developing player talent, improving the game experience for fans, developing synergies among EFA teams, and planning offseason activities.
The EFA was established in July, with founding members — Rhein Fire, Paris Musketeers, Madrid Bravos, Vienna Vikings, Tirol Raiders, Frankfurt Galaxy, Wroclaw Panthers and Prague Lions — quickly being joined by 2025 ELF newcomers Nordic Storm.
