LIVESTREAM AFLE PPV: Firenze Red Lions @ Paris Lights, May 30, 10:00 CET (10 am, 4 am ET)
The Paris Lights (0-0) and Firenze Red Lions (0-0) will both take the field for the first time in franchise history on May 30 as two of the newest clubs in the American Football League Europe begin their quest for the AFLE Gold Bowl.
Paris enters with big expectations
For an expansion team, the Paris Lights arrive with an impressive foundation already in place. Head coach David Shelton brings experience from both North America and Europe, while offensive coordinator Timur Beckmann arrives after being part of back-to-back championship teams with Rhein Fire.
The offense will be led by quarterback Evan Hillock, whose decorated career at the University of Western Ontario included 45 wins, 90 touchdown passes, 11,846 passing yards, and a national championship. Paris also added proven playmakers, including receiver Tristen Wallace and veteran French running back Jean-Charles Moukouri, giving the Lights a balanced offensive attack heading into their first game.
Familiar names anchor the Lights defense
The defensive side of the ball may be where the Paris Lights surprise people most. Veteran defensive back Exavier Edwards brings years of European experience, while defensive lineman Wilfried Pene returns to Europe after spending time with the New England Patriots organization.
Special teams could also be a major advantage. Veteran kicker Boris Bède arrives with extensive CFL experience and one of the most accomplished résumés of any player in the league, giving Paris a proven weapon in close games.
Watch live PPV. Firenze Red Lions @ Paris Lights, May 30, 10:00 CET (10 am, 4 am ET)
Firenze embraces the underdog role
The Firenze Red Lions may not enter the season with the same level of attention, but they have assembled a roster full of players looking to prove themselves. Quarterback Matthew McKay brings experience from the Frankfurt Galaxy and offers the dual-threat ability that can create problems for opposing defenses.
McKay’s supporting cast includes receiver Devin Carter, who has played professionally in both the CFL and USFL, while Aaron David and Simon Olaifa add youth and versatility to the offense. The offensive line is anchored by players from multiple football backgrounds, reflecting the international makeup of the roster.
Opportunity awaits both teams
The Firenze Red Lions defense is built around experienced defensive backs Jakeen Harris and Trajon Cotton, while new head coach Bill Shuey brings more than two decades of coaching experience to the sideline after stepping into the role shortly before the season.
With both teams entering at 0-0 and neither franchise having played a game, this matchup is less about standings and more about establishing an identity. The Paris Lights enter with lofty expectations and a roster designed to compete immediately, while the Firenze Red Lions arrive determined to show they belong. By the end of Saturday, one of these new AFLE franchises will have taken the first step in writing its history.
Watch live PPV. Firenze Red Lions @ Paris Lights, May 30, 10:00 CET (10 am, 4 am ET)
