NFL popularity grows in Germany through fan tourism and talent development

The popularity of American football is growing significantly in Germany, driving both fan engagement and sports tourism. Analysts from SPORTFIVE report that there are approximately 19 million football fans in Germany, with 3.6 million following the NFL intensively. This interest has led to an increase in German fans planning transatlantic trips to attend live games in major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

In terms of talent development, Germany has secured a strong presence in the NFL Academy for the 2026/27 season. Out of 70 players selected from 21 countries, 14 are German, making Germany the second-largest contingent in the academy after Great Britain. The academy's upcoming schedule includes high-profile matches against American high school teams, including trips to Ohio and Florida, as well as games against European teams.