Berlin is apparently throwing its hat in the ring when it comes to hosting an NFL game. In total, a double-digit million amount is to be invested. Commissioner Roger Goodell confirms initial discussions.
The stars from the NFL could appear in a new German city next year. As “RTL” reports, the Berlin state government is planning to invest up to 12.5 million euros from 2025 to 2029 in order to become the venue.
1.55 million euros of this should enable a game in the Olympic Stadium next year. On Tuesday, the capital city Senate apparently wants to clear the political path for an NFL series of events, and a few days later the league will decide where the game will be played.
So far, the NFL has been a guest in Munich once and in Frankfurt twice since 2022. This year there will be another “Munich Game”: the Carolina Panthers will meet the New York Giants on Sunday in the Allianz Arena (live ticker from 3:30 p.m.).
People in Berlin also want to benefit from the football hype. The state government probably expects even greater economic effects than the annual DFB Cup final in football. In addition to classic football, mixed flag football will soon also be played on a large scale in Berlin. The capital wants to apply to host the 2026 World Cup.
NFL in Berlin: Commissioner Goodell gives hope
Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is giving German fans hope. “I usually tell people: ‘Don’t believe the rumors’. In this case I might say: ‘Believe it’,” the 65-year-old explained during a question-and-answer session with fans in Munich.
“We’re working on it, but it’s not decided yet. We think Berlin would be a great addition, and so we’re looking at it very intensively. Our people have worked very hard on it,” Goodell continued.
Nevertheless, the NFL boss limited his statement regarding the previous German venues: “But I would like to add that that doesn’t mean that we won’t come back to Frankfurt and Munich.”
