Fans of Rhein Fire and the other (previously known) teams of the American Football League Europe (AFLE) can apparently finally expect a game plan in the near future: AFLE managing director Moritz Heisler announced on the Foot Bowl web show on Wednesday evening that a game plan would be published in the next two weeks.
Of course, the field of participants must first be completed. So far only six teams are known: Rhein Fire, Wroclaw Panthers, Berlin Thunder, Vienna Vikings, Paris Lights and Alpine Rams. According to Heisler, more teams will be added from the announced regions of Monaco, Italy and the United Kingdom, and the decision will be made in the next few weeks. They don’t want to rush the growth. Accordingly, the AFLE will start with seven or eight teams.
A TV deal is also currently being worked on. This is particularly important in German-speaking countries, emphasized Heisler. In addition to a TV partner, there will also be a streaming offer, “and possibly a third platform that comes from the e-sports sector”.
“Clear favorite” for the commissioner
Another topic was a commissioner for the AFLE. At the beginning of December, the league announced that a “highly respected European commissioner” was preparing to start his job. Now Heisler said that there are currently discussions with several candidates.
Heisler spoke broadly about how the AFLE wants to ensure equal opportunities. A salary cap, i.e. an upper salary limit, is only one method of choice – because there is also the question of what counts, for example housing or gym membership. He was not clear about whether there would be a salary cap. But there are other mechanisms so that all teams are at roughly the same sporting level.
date: 2026-02-12 18:55:00
Keep reading