Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about european league of football teams.
What is the European League of Football (ELF)?
It is a professional American football league based in Europe that launched its inaugural season in 2021. The league was created to establish a top-tier, year-round professional American football competition on the continent.
Which teams compete in the ELF?
The league features clubs based in major European cities, including the Berlin Thunder, Frankfurt Galaxy, Hamburg Sea Devils, London Sparks, Munich Giants, Rhein Fire, and Stuttgart Sentinels. Additional franchises were added as the league expanded in later seasons.
Where are the games played?
Most matches take place at stadiums in German cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Stuttgart, with the London Sparks playing in England. The league has since added venues in other European locations.
What does the season structure look like?
A typical season consists of a regular-season schedule followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket that culminates in a championship game. The format is designed to fit within a roughly twelve-to-fourteen-week competitive window.
How is the ELF different from the NFL?
While the core rules of American football remain the same, the ELF adjusts certain parameters such as roster sizes, game-clock structure, and some rule interpretations to suit its European context. It also operates independently of the NFL's league structure and player-contract system.
Who plays in the league?
Rosters are made up of international players from across Europe and North America, including athletes with prior NFL, CFL, or college experience. The league has also developed its own draft and free-agency system to build squads.
Where can fans watch ELF games?
Matches are broadcast on regional television channels and streaming platforms in the countries where teams are based. The league also offers digital streaming options for fans outside those regions.
What is the league's top prize?
The season ends with the ELF Championship, a single game between the two playoff finalists. The winning team is crowned the league champion for that year.
How has the league grown since 2021?
The ELF added new franchises and expanded into additional European cities in its second and subsequent seasons. It has also worked to increase broadcast reach, fan engagement, and the overall professional infrastructure of the competition.
Why does the ELF matter to the American football world?
It represents the first fully professional, multi-team American football league operating across Europe outside of the NFL's own structure. The league provides a competitive home for players and fans who want a professional product closer to home.