Historic vote reduces German Football League to 12 teams by 2028
The German Football League (GFL) will shrink from 16 to 12 teams by the 2028 season, with an intermediate step reducing the league to 14 teams in 2027, following a landmark vote by club representatives. The decision, passed with near-unanimous support (27 of 29 clubs in favor, two abstentions), aims to elevate competitiveness and financial sustainability in Germany’s premier American football competition.
Phased approach to league restructuring
The reduction plan, first proposed in March 2025, required careful alignment with existing promotion and relegation rules. GFL chairman Axel Streich acknowledged the complexity, stating, “A league reduction isn’t easy, but clubs united to prioritize long-term growth.” The 2026 season remains unchanged due to pre-established licensing statutes, but 2027 will serve as a transitional year with 14 teams split into two seven-team conferences. During this phase, interconference games will be suspended, and clubs will play 12 intra-group matches.
New league structure prioritizes quality
By 2028, the ERIMA GFL will feature 12 teams divided into North and South groups. Each team will play 10 intra-conference games (home and away) and two interconference matchups (one home, one away) against predetermined opponents. While the league postponed finalizing how interconference pairings will be determined (random draw or table-based), the playoff format remains unchanged. The streamlined structure aims to reduce travel costs, intensify rivalries, and improve broadcast appeal.
Relegation overhaul balances competition
Starting in 2028, only one team will face relegation to GFL 2, down from two. The relegated club will be decided via a two-leg playoff (“playdowns”) between the sixth-place finishers from each conference. In 2026 and 2027, three teams will be demoted annually: the bottom two in each conference and the loser of a playdown between the fifth-place finishers. This phased approach ensures fairness while shrinking the league gradually.
AFVD’s critical role in implementation
The American Football Association Germany (AFVD) must now ratify the changes, a procedural step expected to pass smoothly given the GFL’s collaboration with the governing body. The restructuring aligns with the AFVD’s broader vision to strengthen Germany’s football ecosystem, including youth development and semi-professional leagues.
Strategic goals and fan engagement
The reforms address longstanding concerns about talent dilution and financial strain in a 16-team league. Fewer teams mean higher concentration of elite players, theoretically improving game quality and attracting larger audiences. The GFL also aims to leverage the condensed schedule for better media partnerships, with 12 regular-season games per team offering a more viewer-friendly product.
Looking ahead to 2028
The 2028 season will mark a new era for German football, with the GFL poised to rival Europe’s top leagues in structure and competitiveness. For clubs, the changes demand strategic investments in facilities and player development to avoid relegation in a tighter field. Fans, meanwhile, can anticipate fiercer rivalries and higher-stakes matchups as the league reinvents itself.
