EFA set to become American Football’s Champions League of Europe
The EFA made possibly its biggest statement yet, announcing that “at least 10 teams” will be playing in the EFA in 2026.
The EFA already includes the 2025 ELF champions Stuttgart Surge, as well as all but one of the 2025 ELF playoff teams. The Munich Ravens are the only playoff team that has yet to officially join the EFA for 2026.
Europe’s New Premier American Football League: The EFA
Even if the EFA enters 2026 with only ten teams, it is without a doubt the strongest league in Europe. Whether it’s the ELF champion Stuttgart Surge or flagship European programs with long histories of success such as the Vienna Vikings, Wroclaw Panthers, Rhein Fire, and Frankfurt Galaxy, the talent level is undeniable.
Even its “newer” teams—such as the Nordic Storm, Prague Lions, Madrid Bravos, and Paris Musketeers—are the top clubs in their respective countries, giving them the ability to recruit pseudo–national teams made up of the best players in their regions.
One Blemish?
Two top franchises are missing from the EFA: the Munich Ravens and Raiders Tirol. Both teams feature elite talent and have proven their ability to compete at the highest level in Europe. There is no doubt the EFA hopes to add them to reach a balanced 12-team league.
Munich and Tirol are the most likely to join after spending several seasons in the ELF. However it is rumoured the Ravens have investors with SEH ties which is the parent company of the ELF making things more complex.
A new London franchise could be the next team to join, as well as possibly the Dresden Monarchs or Potsdam Royals which are stable franchises in the German Football League. The Calanda Broncos of Switzerland have also shown interest in joining the EFA. The Milano Seamen could return to the top stage after spending last season back in the Italian football league after playing in the EFL in 2023 and 2024.
Will the EFA Be Fun?
EFA teams have already made several signings, giving fans confidence that many of their stars will return in 2026. While the football on the field will likely be similar to—or even better than—what we saw in a 16-team ELF, one factor that might be missing is the showmanship and spectacle especially online that the ELF provided. The ELF’s reach especailly in year 5 was no small feat, as games reached millions worldwide every week.
Say what you want about the ELF—it made American football cool again in Europe.
Will the ELF survive?
The short answer is no.
As it stands, the ELF has only five teams confirmed for 2026: the Cologne Centurions, Hamburg Sea Devils, Raiders Tirol, Munich Ravens, and Helvetic Mercenaries. To be considered even somewhat legitimate, the league would need to add at least three more teams.
The Cologne Centurions are not officially gone, but the funeral arrangements have already been made. The team finished its season with Raiders Tirol AFL players and mismatched helmets—a sign they are unlikely to return.
The Helvetic Mercenaries also faced serious financial troubles, which likely set back football in Switzerland for years to come.
The ELF needs more teams to survive. But why would anyone join? If you saw a burning building, would you run into it?
Looking Ahead
Questions remain about what the EFA will look like from a fan perspective. What will streaming or TV distribution look like? Will the league’s social media and digital presence rival what the ELF built?
On the field, the EFA will likely surpass last year’s ELF, as it trims the fat from weaker clubs like the Cologne Centurions and others that dragged down the overall level of play.
