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After Frankfurt and Munich, Berlin also wants to become a venue for NFL games. However, the league games available are limited.
Frankfurt – The internationalization of the NFL continues, and Germany is right in the middle of it. The last encounter in Munich between the Panthers and the Giants was the fourth stopover of the football circus in this country. Now the federal capital is also positioning itself for the lucrative sports show.
The NFL abroad: permanent guest in England
The US league has been going abroad to develop new markets since 2005. In order to generate corresponding sales, the NFL brings fans the experience that they otherwise only know from TV broadcasts directly to their doorstep. The tactic seems to have proven successful.
For example, 26 regular season games have already taken place in London’s venerable Wembley Stadium. Later, the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and the Twickenham rugby temple were added as the second and third arenas in London.
Good atmosphere: German stadiums are very popular with the NFL © IMAGO/Kirby Lee
The NFL in Germany: games in Frankfurt and Munich have proven successful
Since 2022, Germany has also been involved in hosting individual games. The first edition took place in Munich in 2022, where the league recently returned. In the meantime, there was a guest appearance with two games in Frankfurt’s Waldstadion in 2023. The Main metropolis has already been promised another game for 2025.
As with any major sporting event, the appeal for cities to apply to host the event is obvious. In terms of potential sales in the tourism sector, tax revenue and image gain, the municipalities are making the games cost a lot in advance.
In the case of Frankfurt, the costs for training facilities and marketing are said to have amounted to around 1.5 million euros. Nevertheless, SPD Mayor Mike Josef sees added value through “high economic benefits, an enormous image gain” and around eight million euros in additional taxes that were collected from the two games in 2023.
Berlin goes on the offensive: first NFL game as early as 2025?
So now Berlin. The city appears to be prepared to make major investments for the long-term establishment of the football league. The Senate is planning to bring the league to the Olympic Stadium with a grant of 12.5 million euros for five games between 2025 and 2029. In a press conference, SPD sports senator Iris Spranger announced that the deal was close to being concluded. Spranger was also a guest himself at the last game in Munich.
Söder, Neuer and Co. these stars were at the NFL game in Munich
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She continued about the appeal of the NFL presence: “The NFL has an outstanding global TV presence with broadcasts in around 220 countries. Berlin would also benefit from a tourism and economic perspective. We would also make infrastructural improvements at the Olympic Stadium and other sports venues.”
Compete for NFL games: Eight games to play per season
The league’s plans include up to eight games abroad from 2025. It is clear that the larger the pool of interested parties becomes, the more the league is likely to make its surcharges dependent on the revenue potential. An alternation like before between Frankfurt and Munich is likely to be in danger, and it is also unclear whether the league will consider several Germany games per season.
There are also other international locations that want to continue to be involved. This includes London again, where two games are scheduled to take place, as well as a first edition in Madrid. In addition, the league only had its premiere in Brazil last year. If Berlin is successful with its offer, the previous German strongholds of Frankfurt and Munich may be left behind. (that)
