May 23rd, 2023 00:00, by Tim Hanswillemenke

Kickoff Press Conference – Everything you need to know

The European League of Football officially started the 2023 season at the Kickoff Press Conference last Friday!

The European League of Football announced Madrid as the next franchise location starting in 2024! © Fiona Noever

May 23rd, 2023 00:00, by Tim Hanswillemenke

Kickoff Press Conference – Everything you need to know

The European League of Football officially started the 2023 season at the Kickoff Press Conference last Friday!

Last Friday was all about the European League of Football and the 2023 season. With commissioner Patrick Esume and CEO Zeljko Karajica present at the event, some major news were announced throughout the evening.

New franchise location for 2024

The most prolific news came one hour into the event, when commissioner Patrick Esume announced Madrid (Spain) as the next franchise location starting in 2024. Next to Germany and Austria, Spain will be the third country to have more than one franchise location.

During the Q&A session after the livestream, the commissioner and the CEO announced that at least two more franchises will join the European League of Football for the 2024 season. In conclusion, the European League of Football will have at least 20 franchises competing in 2024 compared to 17 in 2023, twelve in 2022, and eight in 2021.

Fantasy Football and Panini stickers

During the press conference, the league presented new partners and new features for fans. Amongst those new partners: PANINI. The European League of Football has partnered with PANINI to create stickers and sticker albums of all teams and players for fans to collect.

Other major news was the start of fantasy football in 2023. For the first time ever, an American football league outside the NFL and CFL will provide a fantasy manager tool for fans to root for their favorite players even more.

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?

With the start of the 2023 season, betting on the European League of Football will also become possible, as announced at the press conference by the commissioner Patrick Esume and CEO Zeljko Karajica.

Other partners that were announced include EURONICS, Fujifilm Instax and CITIZEN. Representatives of each partner were present at the press conference and were interviewed by Jennifer Becks live on stage.

2023 Championship Game

One of the most exciting announcements for fans came with the 2023 Championship Game in Duisburg. As commented by CEO Zeljko Karajica, there will be a two-day fan festival at the 2023 Championship Game beginning on Saturday (23rd September) and ending on Sunday (24th September) after the third champions of the European League of Football was crowned.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE GAMES HERE!

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