European Football League & Alliance Announce Landmark Reunification, Securing Future of American Football in Europe
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A potential fracture in the burgeoning European American football scene has been averted with the announcement that the European League of Football (ELF) and the European Football Alliance (EFA) will merge and operate under a unified structure beginning next season. The agreement promises stability and growth for the sport across the continent.
Averting a Continental Divide
Earlier this year, a schism threatened to derail the progress of American football in Europe. Several teams broke away from the established ELF to form the EFA, citing concerns over governance and transparency. The newly formed alliance intended to launch a competing league in 2026, raising the specter of a costly and damaging rivalry. However, a collaborative spirit prevailed, culminating in the reunification agreement.
New Governance Model Prioritizes Transparency and Team Control
Under the terms of the agreement, teams and shareholders will jointly govern league operations through a newly formed board of governors. This board will oversee all critical aspects of the league, including strategic planning, budgeting, competition format, licensing, media rights, commercial strategy, and expansion into new European markets. A key focus will be on standardized transparency, reporting, and independent auditing.
“This agreement creates a ‘transparent, team-led governance model’ designed to ‘reinforce stability, consistency, and long-term growth throughout the sport’,” according to a joint statement released by the ELF and EFA.
The Road to Reunification: From Breakaway to Collaboration
The EFA’s formation stemmed from dissatisfaction with the ELF’s existing structure. The breakaway clubs, aiming to attract at least ten teams from the previous ELF season, had already secured commitments from teams in Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, and Spain. Plans were also in place for a London-based franchise to join in 2027, alongside a team based in Milan.
The ELF, which began as an eight-team league in 2021 and expanded to sixteen teams last season, now appears poised to integrate these teams under the new unified banner. Joint working groups are currently finalizing the 2026 league composition, competition format, and scheduling. Efforts are also underway to establish unified standards for venues, broadcasting, game operations, and the overall fan experience.
Investment and Leadership Changes Fuel Growth
The reunification comes on the heels of significant investment in the ELF. In June, Gandler Sports Group (GSG) reportedly injected US$10 million into the league. GSG subsequently acquired the rights to the EFA’s London franchise, marking the return of professional American football to the English capital after a 27-year absence.
Prior to the agreement, it had been announced that Zeljko Karajica, co-founder and CEO of the ELF, would transition out of his management and operational duties at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The unified governance model was significantly shaped by ELF co-chief executive Ingo Schiller, with contributions from investment firms 885 Capital, Oakvale Capital, D2D4, and GSG.
Final participants for the 2026 season are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, signaling a new era of collaboration and growth for American football in Europe.
