NFL KEEPS FIRE ABLAZE IN EUROPE

Rumours of the Rhein Fire’s demise appears to have been premature, with a major development just days before the multiple European champion was to have revealed a new nickname following its defection from the European League of Football.

Despite a fan competition well underway to decide a new moniker for the Düsseldorf-based team, it now appears that it will be able to keep the Fire name after all, after the NFL gave Number One Sportbetriebs GmbH permission to continue using the identity.

The NFL holds the trademark rights to the name, as it does with other former NFL Europe teams, although these rights were previously licensed to the ‘former European league organisation’ which, in turn, sublicensed them to individual franchises. Recent developments — the defection of teams that formed the European Football Alliance — now appears to offer the opportunity to negotiate usage directly with the NFL, thus ensuring Rhein long-term continuity of the team’s branding. According to a team statement, final negotiations for the contract will take place shortly, under the guidance of trademark law expert Robert Meyen.

“This is an important decision for everyone close to our franchise,” Fire managing director Daniel Thywissen insisted. “Rhein Fire is the best-known and strongest brand in European football. This certainty is invaluable for our fans and for our ongoing preparations for the 2026 season. We look forward to further marketing with a positive feeling.”

The revelation carries extra significance given rumours that Rhein — as well as Vienna, Munich and Berlin — are among a small group of teams yet to realign with the ELF in spite of the reunion announced Wednesday (26th November).