The ELF was founded in 2007 following the collapse of NFL Europe and started a new official league in 2021, which now consists of sixteen franchises. Last Sunday, the Stuttgart Surge claimed their maiden ELF championship following a 24-17 win over the Vienna Vikings.
In July 2025, eight leading ELF clubs joined forces to create the European Football Alliance with the goal to "build a stronger, more transparent, and more equitable foundation for professional tackle football in Europe."
Going further in depth, the EFA teams aim to strengthen franchise operations, advocate for financial fairness and transparency, promote player safety and sustainable growth, and ensure a competitive and credible sporting product for fans, partners, and communities alike.
Full statement
After the Nordic Storm, Stuttgart Surge, and Berlin Thunder joined the Vienna Vikings, Frankfurt Galaxy, Rhein Fire, Paris Musketeers, Madrid Bravos, Tirol Raiders, Wroclaw Panthers, and Prague Lions in the European Football Alliance, the eleven EFA clubs have now announced that they will no longer participate in the European League of Football.
"The European Football Alliance (EFA) has decided: starting with the 2026 season, EFA teams will not participate in the European League of Football (ELF)," the statement read.
"Our focus is on building a sustainable, transparent, and fan-centred league, aligned with best practices in professional sports governance. Together with Europe’s leading franchises, we are working on a modern, NFL-style model that delivers for fans, partners, and investors.
"To all fans, sponsors, and investors: professional football will be played in 2026. We believe in the future of our sport, and we’re committed to shaping it together."
ELF responds
With this statement, only the Hamburg Sea Devils, Cologne Centurions, Helvetic Mercenaries, Munich Ravens, and Fehervar Enthroners are set to start in the European League of Football.
The ELF responded shortly after the EFA released its statement, stating several clubs are still contracted to the league.
"Following a truly outstanding 2025 Championship Game of the European League of Football (ELF) this past Sunday in Stuttgart, preparations are now underway for the upcoming 2026 season," the ELF said.
"As of today, the ELF has eleven franchises under valid contract for the 2026 season. In addition, the league is engaged in intensive discussions with several prospective partners interested in joining the European League of Football with new teams."
At least one team are known to join the ELF soon, with the Milano Seamen set to rejoin in 2026. The Amsterdam Admirals, a former NFL Europa team, failed to agree on terms with the EFL and have joined the EFA as a non-active member
The league said it's still open to letting the EFA clubs enter.
"At the same time, the ELF remains committed to open dialogue with all current franchises, with the clear goal of building a shared foundation for the further development of the league and of American football across Europe."
The new European League of Football season is set to start in May 2026.