Every Sunday at 7pm in Germany, a weekly ritual begins for NFL fans across the country. Whether gathered around a barbecue, meeting up with friends, or simply enjoying the game from the comfort of their homes, hundreds of thousands of German fans tune in to catch their dose of NFL action, much like their American counterparts.
Thanks to a free-to-air broadcast on a popular German channel, fans can watch live NFL games without any cost. This accessibility has helped attract a new generation of NFL enthusiasts in Europe, with an average of 710,000 viewers tuning in for the early slate games and 490,000 viewers for the later slot during the 2023 regular season.
The popularity of the NFL in Germany has been on the rise, with sold-out international games being held at venues like the Allianz Arena in Munich. The country has hosted regular-season NFL games four times, with RTL securing exclusive free-to-air broadcasting rights until 2028.
One of the key figures in promoting the NFL in Germany is Patrick Esume, a former player turned NFL commentator and commissioner of the European League of Football. Esume emphasizes the fun and excitement of the game while also providing deep insights for both new and seasoned fans.
The NFL’s unpredictability and physicality have captured the interest of German sports fans, offering a refreshing change from the more predictable nature of German soccer. The popularity of the NFL is further boosted by the presence of German players in the league, with stars like Jakob Johnson and Amon-Ra St. Brown garnering attention.
To further grow the sport in Germany, efforts are being made to increase participation through initiatives like flag football. The NFL Academy in the UK has also provided opportunities for German players to pursue American football alongside their education.
Overall, the NFL’s popularity in Germany continues to rise, with younger audiences showing a keen interest in the sport. With a growing fan base and increased accessibility through various broadcasting platforms, the future looks bright for American football in Germany.
As the NFL gains momentum in the country, more Germans are embracing the sport, making Sunday evenings a prime time for football entertainment. Whether it’s for the love of the game, the excitement of watching top athletes compete, or the pride of seeing homegrown talent succeed on the international stage, the NFL has found a special place in the hearts of German sports fans.
[Top photos: Getty Images; design: Meech Robinson]
