As part of the partnership, the New England Patriots and the AFBÖ are particularly promoting the promotion of flag football. The non-contact version of American football is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The sport is to be further developed and made even more popular in Austria through joint training camps and flag football tournaments.
“I am very pleased about the cooperation with the New England Patriots, the most successful NFL team of the young millennium,” explains AFBÖ President Michael Eschlböck. “In addition to many similarities, we are united by the goal of arousing enthusiasm for American football. With flag football as an Olympic discipline at the games in Los Angeles in 2028, we have a great opportunity, with the support of the New England Patriots, to increase flag football in Austria’s schools And anyone who watches the Patriots at their home games will immediately recognize Austria’s colors on their shoulders. Everything fits for a promising cooperation.”
“As part of our growth strategy, we rely on strategic partnerships with organizations and associations in our international home markets,” said Joe Dorant, Senior Director of International Business for the New England Patriots. “The collaboration with the AFBÖ is an important step towards increasing our presence in Austria and together getting people excited about the sport and the fascination of football.”
The DACH region is one of the most important markets for the Patriots outside the USA and a home market as part of the NFL Global Markets Program. After the team from Foxborough/Boston entered into a cooperation with the German Football Association (DFB) last year, they are now continuing this successful path in Austria.
