Who is playing in the European League of Football?

New year, new season, and plenty of changes. This year promises to be even better, bigger, and more spectacular. With a total of 17 teams across three conferences, surprises, overperformances, underperformances, and plenty of talent are guaranteed. This season, all of this will be showcased on the biggest stages, with many games expected to draw more than 10,000 fans to the stadiums. The absolute highlight of the season will be the Championship Game at the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, for which over 25.000 tickets have already been sold.

Champions of 2023: Rhein Fire. © Fiona Noever

Highlights of the first game week

The first game week promises some real highlights and showcases the quality that will be on display in the European League of Football. One example is the game between the Munich Ravens, who will be visiting the Stuttgart Surge. The Surge, who made it to the final last season, have the ambitions and talent to reach similar heights this season. However, the Munich Ravens will be determined to put obstacles in their way, as they are also considered contenders.

Another highlight is the match between the Wrocław Panthers and the Berlin Thunder, featuring two playoff participants from last season. Both teams are aiming for the playoffs again this year, with bolstered rosters. The Thunder had the second-best defense in the league last season and have strengthened their struggling offense with quarterback and 2021 Champion Jakeb Sullivan. The Panthers have also reinforced their team, with AJ Wentland playing a full season for them and Matt Cole adding NFL experience to their wide receiver position, which should pose real problems for the Thunder's defensive backfield.

All games of Week 1

Vienna Vikings at Fehérvár Enthroners

Barcelona Dragons at Helvetic Mercenaries

Raiders Tirol at Milano Seamen

Berlin Thunder at Wroclaw Panthers

Rhein Fire at Cologne Centurions

Hamburg Sea Devils at Prague Lions

Munich Ravens at Stuttgart Surge

All weeks and information here

Cologne Centurions want to bounce back. © Fiona Noever

Fire aiming for a back-to-back season

As the reigning champions, Rhein Fire enters the new season with big goals and aim to reach the Championship Game once again. This is evident from the strong signings they made in the offseason. They replaced notable departures like Anthony Mahoungou and Nathaniell Robitaille with Kelvin McKnight Jr. and Sebastian Sagne. Additionally, they managed to retain important players like Jadrian Clark, Glen Toonga, and Omari Williams. All eyes should be on Fire, as they are always a team to be reckoned with.

The team that could surprise everyone?

The Fehérvár Enthroners finished last season with a record of 3-9, below their expectations, leading to the departure of their head coach and the promotion of offensive coordinator Joe Ashfield. While the defense was above average last season, except in points allowed, the offense struggled. There were significant changes in the roster during the offseason, with the signings of Jack Mangel and Nathaniel Robitaille to bolster the offense. There are also many homegrown players with great potential looking to make an impact in the new season. Despite starting the season with a tough match against the Vikings, the Enthroners should not be underestimated, as they have the potential to cause upsets.

Can the Vikings reach for their second title or will the Prague Lions surprise the league? © Fiona Noever

What’s new in the upcoming season?

The Swiss franchise underwent name change during the offseason. The Swiss franchise will now compete as the Helvetic Mercenaries in Europe's premier American football league.

In addition to the changes at the Mercenaries, a new franchise was announced for this season. The Madrid Bravos will start in the second week of the season, but next week marks the beginning of their first ELF season, with their opponent for the second gameday being the Barcelona Dragons, who will first face off against the Helvetic Mercenaries. It will be the first "Clasico" in ELF history.

Where can I watch all games?

If you want to watch all games, live or as replays, the ELF Gamepass is the right choice for you. There, you can watch every single game and additional content provided by the ELF. Additionally, selected games will be available through our media partners.