The National Football League, the NFL and the Deutsche Fußball Liga, or the DFL, announced a partnership agreement on Thursday. The DFL is essentially responsible for operating the German Bundesliga and the second-tier 2. Bundesliga.
A partnership between the two leagues focuses on business ideas in the German and US markets. This includes an increase in communication in key departments such as broadcasting, digital innovation, programming and marketing. Both NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and DFL chief executive Donata Hopfen signed the deal.
“Our first regular season game in Germany this fall also presents an opportunity to work with and learn from some of the world’s most successful sports leagues,” Goodell said in an official statement. “The Bundesliga has long been considered the leading league in Germany and one of the best in all of Europe. We look forward to collaborating with the DFL in a process that we believe will be mutually beneficial.”
The @NFL and the German Football League (@DFL_Official) will begin collaborating on production, broadcast and programming, digital innovation and marketing to drive promotion in the US and German markets.
Learn more about the association: https://t.co/8MujUcSXRs pic.twitter.com/o6qyVNrEwK
— NFL Football Ops (@NFLFootballOps) September 15, 2022
NFL and DFL sign new partnership
Hopfen shared his colleague’s excitement. “The DFL has always worked openly and cooperatively with leagues and organizations around the world to promote the development of the sport worldwide,” said Hopfen. “We look forward to working closely with our NFL colleagues on a variety of topics and gaining new insights, particularly regarding sports in the US.”
The German soccer league previously expanded to include an office in New York City just four years ago. A move to the United States was an attempt to help grow the Bundesliga market, both in North and South America. Whereas before he strives to cultivate the German top flight here in America. were slow, this new partnership, along with ESPN’s massive television deal, could help promote the league’s growth.
As part of the deal, the NFL will play one game per season in Germany for the next four years. Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich, will host the 2022 matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks. The game will take place on Sunday, November 13. Munich and Frankfurt will alternate as hosts for the remainder of the association.
