What Is the Future of Pro Football in Europe? - EFA Members Clash on Key Issues
- Alex Malchow
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Out of the ashes of the ELF, the European Football Alliance (EFA) is beginning to rise but not without problems. The new organization aims to become the face of professional American football in Europe following five seasons of the European League of Football (ELF).
Has Anyone Heard from the ELF?
The European League of Football seems to be fading quietly into an unceremonious end. Rumors suggest the league has accumulated more than €5 million in debt and hasn’t paid revenue-sharing funds to its member teams for at least two seasons.
Teams have lost trust in the ELF. Even with investors allegedly offering to wipe out its debt in exchange for new ownership stakes, it appears the damage is done. The breakup is official…. Go ahead and update your status.
EFA Charging Ahead: Building Toward a More Sustainable League
Former ELF teams are eager to preserve the positive aspects of the old league particularly its creation of a professional platform that brought the sport to heights unseen in Europe since NFL Europe. The EFA currently boasts 13 member clubs, 11 of which competed in the ELF’s 2025 season.
Can the EFA Build a Financially Stable League?
The EFA is emphasizing an NFL-style revenue-sharing structure in which teams contribute to a central pool and benefit from the overall success of the league, a stark contrast to the ELF’s more independent model, where teams were sinking and swimming together in the same pool.
It’s an ambitious approach. The ELF lost millions, and the UFL in the U.S. still struggles financially. The question remains: can an NFL-inspired system work at a smaller, European scale?
Strong New Members Join the EFA
New franchises in London and Milan were announced last week. London fans, who long wanted a team in the ELF, finally get their wish. Tech entrepreneur David Gandler is backing the new East London franchise, tapping into one of Europe’s most promising markets.
Meanwhile, Milan returns to the top level of European football. The Milano Seamen, who played in the ELF in 2023 and 2024 before withdrawing, are back “in the show,” bringing Italy’s market into the EFA fold once again.
Trouble on the Horizon?
Sources indicate growing tension within the EFA. The Vienna Vikings, Stuttgart Surge, Berlin Thunder, and Rhein Fire are reportedly considering breaking away to form a separate league with a different financial model, one backed by a mysterious American investor.
This rival league would allegedly offer teams upfront payouts for joining but could siphon long-term revenue. Reports suggest that the Surge, Rhein Fire, and Berlin Thunder are in financial distress and see the proposed payouts as an immediate lifeline rather than investing in the EFA’s long-term stability.
What Does This Mean Two Leagues?
If the divide continues, Europe could soon have two professional American football leagues.
In that scenario, the EFA would field around nine teams, the Storm, Galaxy, Bravos, Musketeers, Lions, Milan, London, and Panthers among them while the new breakaway league would feature the Thunder, Surge, Rhein Fire, and Vikings.
The breakaway group could try to recruit additional clubs such as the Calanda Broncos or Potsdam Royals, or even launch new franchises like the rumored Alpine Rams in Switzerland.
Another key question surrounds the Munich Ravens, one of the ELF’s more recent franchises, which has yet to formally commit to the EFA.
What’s Next?
Expect more announcements from both the EFA and this rumored rival league before the new year. Fans are hopeful for exciting football in 2026, and for now, the EFA remains the most promising path forward. Time will tell who ultimately takes the field.
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