American Football League Europe
The American Football League Europe (AFLE) brings together American football clubs from across Europe with a focus on building a strong, sustainable future for the sport.
the vision
Building the Future of American Football in Europe
American football has developed passionate fan bases and strong playing traditions in a number of European markets. AFLE was created to build on that foundation by providing clubs with a league structure designed around long-term growth and sustainability.
The league works with its clubs to strengthen areas including operations, commercial development, marketing and fan engagement, while creating opportunities for players to compete at a high level. AFLE also aims to support the continued development of European talent and provide a stronger pathway for young athletes interested in the sport.
For fans, the ambition extends beyond the game itself. AFLE is working to create an accessible entertainment experience around American football, combining competitive sport with the atmosphere, community and game-day traditions that have helped make football an important part of American culture.
leadership
Joel Nagel – Founder & Chairman
Joel Nagel is the founder and Chairman of the American Football League Europe. He served as the league’s CEO through its inaugural 2026 season, leading AFLE from its establishment through its first full year of competition.
A lifelong American football fan who grew up in Pittsburgh, Joel has combined his enthusiasm for the sport with experience developed over more than three decades working across international law and business. As Chairman of AFLE, he remains closely involved in the league’s long-term vision and development, while supporting its continued growth and the success of its clubs.
Joel sees the success of AFLE and its clubs as closely connected. Rather than focusing solely on the league itself, the model is intended to help clubs strengthen their organizations, develop their audiences and create a professional environment in which players can succeed.
The journey
From the Vienna Vikings to AFLE
Joel’s involvement in European American football began through the Vienna Vikings, one of the continent’s longest-established American football organizations.
Spending time around the Vikings and attending games gave Joel a firsthand view of the enthusiasm surrounding the sport in Europe, as well as its potential for further growth. That experience helped shape a broader ambition to support the development of American football across multiple European markets through a league built for the long term.
The Vikings subsequently became part of AFLE’s inaugural season in 2026 and won the league’s first Gold Bowl championship in September, completing an 11–1 season with a victory over the Panthers Wroclaw in Duisburg.
Our approach
A League Built for Long-Term Growth
01
Supporting Clubs
AFLE works with clubs according to their individual needs, helping strengthen areas such as operations, sales, marketing and commercial development.
02
Developing European Talent
The league aims to provide European players with opportunities to develop and compete in a high-level football environment, while strengthening pathways for the next generation of players.
03
Engaging Fans
AFLE is building a sporting and entertainment experience designed for existing football supporters, families and new audiences alike — in stadiums, through broadcast partners and online.
04
Building Sustainably
The league’s approach emphasizes long-term development, with the strength and sustainability of its clubs at the center of AFLE’s growth strategy.
A milestone year
AFLE 2026: The Inaugural Season
AFLE’s first season began in 2026 with eight franchises competing across Europe. Alongside games in local markets, the league expanded access for international audiences through broadcast agreements and its AFLE+ streaming platform.
The season concluded with the inaugural AFLE Gold Bowl in Duisburg, Germany, on September 6, 2026. The Vienna Vikings defeated the Panthers Wroclaw to become the league’s first champions.
2026
Inaugural Season
8
AFLE+
Gold Bowl
Experience AFLE
Watch highlights from AFLE’s inaugural season and discover American football across Europe.
Learn More About AFLE
The American Football League Europe continues to develop its platform for clubs, players and fans across the continent.