12/02/2025
AFLE (American Football League Europe) AFLE –
The League Europe: A New, Stable Home for American Football in Europe Dear European football community, Over the past weeks, we have worked quietly but with absolute clarity of purpose: to build a league that stands on solid ground and honours the people who make this sport what it is - the players, the coaches, the families, and the fans who carry football forward in Europe.
Today, we are ready to share the first chapter of this new beginning. 1. A League Built on Stability, Responsibility and Long-Term Vision The American Football League Europe (AFLE) has been created with one purpose: to finally give European football the stability and transparency it deserves. AFLE is fully financed for the next 5 years by a committed US-based family office - a foundation that allows us to build responsibly, without shortcuts, without improvisation, and without the instability the community has experienced in recent seasons.
To ensure immediate operational strength, AFLE has established its league headquarters in Hamburg, led by Frank Wendorf, one of the most experienced and trusted operations leaders in European American football. Much of his former team has joined him, bringing continuity, reliability, and deep knowledge of day-to-day football operations. In addition, AFLE will be guided during its launch phase by Till Grönemeyer, who will serve as Head of the Advisory Board.
Till’s background in building and scaling high-growth startups brings an essential layer of structure, f inancial discipline and strategic clarity to the league. He has spent the past years advising founders, investors and companies in fast-moving environments — experience that is invaluable when designing a league that must balance stability, innovation and long-term sustainability. His expertise in organisational development, governance and stakeholder management ensures that
AFLE begins its journey with a strong strategic backbone and transparent leadership.
To underline our long-term commitment, AFLE has already hired full-time league staff across all core departments:
• Football Operations
• Football Administration
• TV Production
• Sales & Marketing
• Statistics • Sports Rules & Regulations
• IT & League Tool
This is not symbolic staffi ng - these teams are fully active today. A highly respected European commissioner is preparing to take office as well, further strengthening governance and ensuring that AFLE enters its inaugural season on a fi rm, trusted foundation. 2. The League Europe - Our Brand, Our Identity, Our Future While the legal league name is AFLE, our cultural identity will live under The League: Europe - a modern, internationally accessible brand that refl ects where European football is heading, not where it came from. AFLE carries the structure. The League Europe carries the culture. The identity is built to unite fans across borders and languages. It refl ects what football truly is in Europe: family, community, resilience and belonging. Our updated broadcasting strategy is focused on building reach, momentum and connection across the continent:
• unifi ed, cross-country storytelling
• digital-first engagement • modern, emotional branding
• localised content in all participating regions
• clear, transparent updates for fans, teams, and partners
• emotionally rooted in what football truly is - family, community, belonging.
And while we are not announcing individual teams today, we can confirm the countries already committed: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Poland, UK. More will follow - transparently, and in direct communication with our community. To stay informed about every new announcement, fans can visit our new website www.aflepro.com and sign up for the newsletter, ensuring they never miss important updates,
ticket releases or new team confi rmations. Ticket sales for the inaugural season will begin in January 2026, with our fi rst-ever Championship Game scheduled for 06 September 2026 in Germany. 3. A Commitment to Players, Coaches and Fans Across Europe European football was never built by structures - it was built by people. By families who drive their kids to practice. By volunteers who run chains in the rain. By players who give everything for the sport they love. By fans who turn empty stadiums into home fi elds. AFLE exists to honour that commitment.
Our mission is clear:
• provide a safe, financially secure environment for players and coaches to play football at the highest level
• Put players and coaches into an environment where compensation is reliable, operations are organised, and long-term planning is finally possible • protect the integrity of the sport
• build a league that grows for the next decade, not just the next season
• be transparent with our entire community every step of the way More than 60 European referees have already confirmed their participation, with full freedom to work across competitions. Several clubs - including reigning champions - have committed to joining AFLE for 2026, with more following soon. Closing Statement This is not a patchwork solution. This is the beginning of something built on trust, stability and long-term responsibility - for everyone who loves this sport and for everyone who gives a part of their life to.
AFLE - The League: Europe Trust. Passion. Unity.
Official landing page of AFLE – American Football League Europe
