The Bundesliga and the National Football League (NFL) have announced an extension of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing their continued collaboration to foster cross-sport initiatives and create new fan experiences worldwide.
The renewed partnership between the two organisations, which initially began in 2022, underscores the growing relationship between American and European football, building on previous successes and marking an exciting new chapter in their global strategy.
This extension highlights the strong ties between two of the world’s leading sports organisations, and reaffirms the shared commitment to global fan engagement. Furthermore, the leagues will continue to collaborate on other key areas, including innovation, digital and experiential marketing practices and opportunities for cross-sport content. Through this partnership, both leagues will continue to share best practices, enhance their offerings to fans in North America, Germany and beyond, collaborate on market initiatives and efforts to support the execution of NFL Games and Bundesliga projects.
“The renewal of our MOU with the NFL is a pivotal step in the Bundesliga’s continued expansion in the United States,” said Steffen Merkel, Bundesliga CEO. “This collaboration not only deepens the connection between the NFL and Bundesliga but also plays a key role in our overall growth strategy in the US market.”
Over the past four years, the NFL has played five regular season games in Bundesliga stadiums across Germany: in Munich (FC Bayern München) Frankfurt (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Berlin (Hertha Berlin).
“The partnership between the NFL and the Bundesliga demonstrates the value of bringing two of the world’s leading sports leagues together,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “By extending our collaboration, we can continue to learn from each other, create new experiences for fans and explore innovative ways to grow our sports in Germany, the United States and around the world.”
In the US, the Bundesliga and the NFL have worked together on a series of physical and digital events. Former FC Bayern star Rafinha joined former New England Patriots players Brian Hoyer and Sebastian Vollmer for a watch party ahead of the Patriots’ home game against the Buffalo Bills in December 2025, while Borussia Dortmund legend Patrick Owomoyela announced the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sixth-round selection at the 2026 NFL Draft in the Steel City.
NFL legend Adam Vinatieri set an official Guinness World Records title on Sept. 22, kicking a field goal in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 3,454 metres with Bundesliga legend Giovane Elber as the holder.
The Bundesliga has also been present at the last two editions of the Super Bowl, with Bundesliga Legends Claudio Pizzaro and Roman Weidenfeller representing the league in New Orleans and San Francisco.
These initiatives are part of the Bundesliga’s larger long-term growth strategy in the US market as part of a 17-year collaboration with Relevent Sports that includes media rights, marketing/events, regional sponsorships, localized content and grassroots initiatives.
With the ongoing success of these efforts, the partnership between the Bundesliga and the NFL is poised to deliver even greater opportunities for engagement, cross-sport collaboration, and a richer fan experience across borders.