The NFL is planning games in Germany – and has invited three cities, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich, to the final candidate phase. The National Football League is aiming for a long-term partnership.

Munich – The NFL is coming to Germany – the dream of the

Trio in the “Candidate Phase “

“The great interest we have received from the German cities underlines what an excellent opportunity it will be for the host city: In terms of economic interests to the opportunity to become the starting point for the NFL in Germany in terms of fan base growth, community and young talent,” Gosper continues.

After several cities had expressed their interest in principle as venues, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich have now been invited to the “candidate phase”. These three cities will now discuss more intensively with the NFL and find out what requirements they have to fulfil as NFL venues and what they can offer the National Football League.

NFL broadcasts: TV ratings steadily improving

Gosper explains, “In addition to a stadium that meets the many logistical requirements, we are looking for a host made up of local and regional politicians, stadium operators, local stakeholders and potential commercial partners. We are only interested in a long-term partnership.”

The German NFL fan base is growing steadily, to about 19 million fans by now, according to the NFL. Viewership figures on free TV on ProSieben and ProSieben MAXX have been steadily increasing for years. In addition, Germany is now one of the market leaders outside North America in terms of merchandise, fantasy football participants and sales figures for Madden video games.

Germans make it to the NFL more often

German players or players with German roots are also increasingly making the jump to the NFL: Jakob Johnson started regularly for the New England Patriots in 2020 and is also an integral part of the 2021 squad. Amon-Ra St. Brown is also part of the Detroit Lions squad, while his brother Equanimeous St. Brown plays for the Green Bay Packers.

With David Bada (Washington) and Aaron Donkor (Seattle Seahawks), two other Germans are currently represented in the NFL’s “International Pathway Programme”.

Sebastian Vollmer is probably the best-known ex-football player from Germany – he won two Super Bowls (XLIX and LI) with the New England Patriots led by quarterback Tom Brady. ran expert Björn Werner was drafted in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2013 and played a total of 38 games in the NFL.