European Football Alliance continues to forge an independent path after ELF talks

The European Football Alliance (EFA) is accelerating plans to launch a rival American football league by 2026, citing governance disputes and financial instability within the European League of Football (ELF). This move intensifies tensions reshaping Europe's gridiron landscape.

Recent mediation involving new ELF co-CEO Ingo Schiller, broker Patrick Esume, and EFA representatives failed to resolve conflicts. EFA members criticized ELF's "unattractable structures" and leadership misalignment, calling shareholder structures "a mess." Comprising nine current ELF teams, the EFA will finalize NFL-style governance prioritizing team ownership over ELF's centralized control at a Frankfurt summit.

ELF franchises face severe financial struggles, with reported losses exacerbated by a "disastrous" merchandise strategy. Former Berlin Thunder executive Björn Werner revealed €500,000 annual deficits under ELF management, and anonymous owners confirmed exit interests. Despite pledging "constructive coordination," Schiller has not engaged the EFA regarding stabilization efforts.

The EFA aims to launch with 10-12 teams, including nine current ELF franchises (Madrid Bravos, Frankfurt Galaxy, Wroclaw Panthers) and non-ELF clubs. Its NFL-inspired model emphasizes shared revenue and transparency, contrasting sharply with ELF's structure. Dissent within ELF ranks grew when 2025 expansion team Nordic Storm joined the EFA in late July, though no additional applicants beyond core members have been disclosed.

ELF's leadership crisis deepened following high-profile departures including ex-Commissioner Esume and Frankfurt Galaxy executive Frank Wendorf, who clashed with ELF figure Zeljko Karajica. While Schiller brings Bundesliga experience, the EFA doubts his ability to reconcile Karajica's influence with team needs.

With the EFA targeting 2026 and ELF scrambling to retain teams, the split risks fragmenting fanbases and sponsor interest. The EFA's transparent, revenue-sharing approach directly challenges ELF's survival, setting the stage for a pivotal restructuring of European professional football.