[](https://cdn.broadbandtvnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/15101646/SPORT1-AFLE.jpg)Sport1 has acquired rights to the new American Football League Europe (AFLE), adding the competition to its live sports portfolio from the 2026 season.
The German broadcaster will begin coverage on 23 May with the match between Vienna Vikings and Berlin Thunder, live free-to-air from 17:00 CEST.
The agreement sees Sport1 join the league as a media partner from its inaugural campaign. In addition to linear broadcasts, the channel said coverage will include digital content and editorial support across its platforms.
Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Hamburg, the American Football League Europe positions itself as a long-term European American football project focused on professional structures, infrastructure and sustainable growth. The league features clubs from several European countries.
The eight teams competing in the debut season are Alpine Rams, Berlin Thunder, Firenze Red Lions, London Warriors, Panthers Wroclaw, Paris Lights, Rhein Fire and Vienna Vikings.
“The AFLE complements our live sports portfolio in an attractive way and brings new international football to Sport1. The league combines dynamism, internationality and a long-term strategic approach, which fits very well with our direction. We see significant potential in the European football market and are pleased to support the AFLE’s development as a media partner from an early stage,” said Andreas Gerhardt, Chief Content & Distribution Officer at Sport1.
Moritz Heisler, Managing Director and COO of American Football League Europe, added: “The partnership with Sport1 is a key moment for the AFLE. Our games will be available free-to-air for every football fan across the DACH region, from the opening kick-off of our first season through to the AFLE Gold Bowl on 6 September 2026. We built this league for the fans, and now we are bringing it into every living room.”