American Football: Analysis of image, acceptance and future prospects

It has developed from a purely American sport into a global one. The sport is becoming increasingly popular in Germany and Europe, which offers interesting opportunities for investors. In this article, I examine the image and acceptance of the () and the (), look at the prospects from the perspective of and analyze the quality and future of American football in Germany and Europe.

Image and acceptance of the GFL and ELF

The GFL and the ELF are the two in European American football. The GFL recorded an average attendance of around 2,400 in the 2021 season, while the ELF attracted an average of 4,000 to 6,000 spectators per game in its debut season (2021). These figures illustrate the growing interest and acceptance of the sport in Europe.

The NFL and the German / European market

The National Football League (NFL) recognizes the potential of the German and European markets for the internationalization of American football. Since 2007, over 30 NFL games have been held in to bring European fans closer to the sport. In 2022, the NFL hosted a game in for the first time, with almost 60,000 spectators in attendance. This year, two games are even planned in , for which 60,000 tickets per game were sold out within 20 minutes. The NFL is looking to the European market as an opportunity to promote interest in American football and expand the fan base.

Quality and prospects of the sport in Germany and Europe

In terms of the quality of the game, Europe is undoubtedly an up-and-coming player in American football. The GFL and ELF have continuously raised their standards. In 2021, several European players managed to gain a foothold in the NFL. One notable example is Moritz B?hringer.

Another factor strengthening the prospects of American football in Europe is the increasing number of college scouts and NFL scouts recruiting European players. This shows that the search for talent in Europe is being taken seriously and that the sport has potential here.

Europe's best football outside the USA - with the exception of Canada

The quality of American football in Europe has improved considerably. Numerous European players are now active in the NFL. Compared to other continents outside North America, Europe is undoubtedly playing at one of the best levels. This is underlined by the growing number of European players in the NFL and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Growing football fan base in Germany

American football is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. On average, around 1.84 million people watched the Super Bowl alone, the final game of the NFL season. According to the Statista Global Consumer Survey, 18% of respondents actively follow football, with around 4% occasionally playing themselves. The German Football League and the European League of Football have helped to ensure that the sport has a lively following in Germany.

Conclusion

German American football offers investors a promising opportunity to invest in an up-and-coming market. The GFL and the ELF have proven in recent years that the sport is gaining acceptance and quality in Europe. The prospects are promising as both the European leagues and the NFL recognize the potential of the market. With rising spectator numbers, growing interest and an ever-increasing number of talented players, American football in Germany and Europe offers a promising future for investors. The latest developments, such as the sold-out NFL games in Germany, further underline the growing interest and attractiveness of this sport for fans and investors alike.

Editor: Theodor Braeutigam