Deutsche Bank Park Stadium in Frankfurt, Germany, hosted two National Football League games in early November, marking the second time ever for Germany. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 5, followed by the Indianapolis Colts defeating the New England Patriots on Nov. 12. Alongside the three matchups played in London, a total of five NFL games were played outside the U.S. in 2023, with the hope of increasing interest in the sport among new audiences.
NFL games outside the U.S. are not new, with games happening in Mexico City since 2005 and annually in London since 2007. With the commitment to playing regular-season games in Germany over the next four years, the future of NFL games in Europe looks promising, with a potential expansion to other European cities like Madrid, Spain. The European League of Football (ELF) is also gaining popularity, with teams across nine countries competing in different conferences. The Rhein Fire emerged as champions in the 2023 season.
For American spectators, seeing their own players in the ELF is a major draw, with American import players allowed on each team. Season passes for ELF games in Germany are affordable, offering the chance to watch American-style football in various European cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, Prague, and Paris. The ELF’s popularity is on the rise, providing an opportunity for sports lovers to enjoy the game in unique settings.