After Frankfurt and Munich, Berlin now also has the desire to host NFL games. However, the number of league games available is limited.
Munich – The NFL is continuing its internationalization and Germany plays a central role in this process. The most recent game between the Panthers and the Giants in Munich was the fourth stop of the football spectacle in Germany. Now the capital is also preparing to host this lucrative sporting event.
The NFL abroad: permanent guest in England
Since 2005, the NFL has moved games overseas to expand into new markets. The league brings fans the experience they normally only see on television right to their doorstep. This strategy has proven successful.
To date, 26 regular season games have been played at the historic Wembley Stadium in London. Later, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Twickenham Rugby Stadium were added as the second and third venues in London.
The NFL in Germany: games in Frankfurt and Munich have proven successful
Germany has also been hosting individual NFL games since 2022. The first game took place in Munich in 2022 at the Allianz Arena, where the league recently returned. Meanwhile, two games were played at the Waldstadion in Frankfurt in 2023. Another game was also promised for Frankfurt in 2025.
Cities are interested in hosting because, as with any major sporting event, they expect potential tourism revenue, tax revenue and an image boost. However, the costs of the Games, including costs of training facilities and marketing, can be significant.
In Frankfurt these amounted to around 1.5 million euros. Nevertheless, SPD Mayor Mike Josef sees added value through “high economic benefit, enormous image gain” and additional tax revenue of around eight million euros generated by the two games in 2023.
Berlin goes on the offensive: first NFL game as early as 2025?
Now Berlin is also planning to host the NFL. The city appears to be prepared to make significant investments for the long-term location of the league. The Senate plans to bring the league to the Olympic Stadium with a grant of 12.5 million euros for five games between 2025 and 2029. SPD sports senator Iris Spranger announced at a press conference that the negotiations were about to be concluded. Spranger was also present at the last game in Munich.
She further explained the appeal of the NFL presence: “The NFL has an outstanding global TV presence with broadcasts in approximately 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
From 2025, the league plans to play up to eight games abroad. The more interested parties there are, the more likely the league is to base its decisions on potential revenue. The previous back and forth between Frankfurt and Munich could therefore be in jeopardy, especially since it is unclear whether the league will consider multiple games per season in Germany.
Other international locations also want to continue to host. These include London, where two games are scheduled to take place, and Madrid, which will host its first game. In addition, the league only made its debut in Brazil last year. If Berlin is successful with its offer, the current German strongholds of Frankfurt and Munich could potentially lose out. (nki)
