European League of Football 2025: Season Overview and Key Highlights

The 2025 European League of Football (ELF) season marks the league’s fifth year, featuring 16 teams from nine countries competing for the championship title. The season commenced on May 17 and is set to culminate with the Championship Game on September 7 at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, Germany.

League Structure and Format

In 2025, the ELF introduced a new divisional structure, organizing teams into four divisions: North, West, South, and East. Each team plays a 12-game regular season, facing divisional opponents twice and interdivisional opponents once. The top team from each division, along with two wildcard teams, advance to the playoffs. The top two seeds receive a bye to the semifinals, while the remaining four teams compete in the wildcard round.

Team Developments and Performances

• Rhein Fire (Germany): As the defending champions, Rhein Fire aims to maintain their dominance. Under head coach Jim Tomsula, the team boasts a strong roster and has started the season with a victory over the Paris Musketeers.
• Paris Musketeers (France): The Musketeers made headlines by appointing former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio as their new head coach. Del Rio brings extensive experience to the team, which reached the semifinals in 2024.
• Madrid Bravos (Spain): Entering their second season, the Bravos have strengthened their squad with the addition of quarterback Reid Sinnett and wide receiver Aron Cruickshank, both with NFL experience. Head coach Andrew Weidinger, formerly of Rhein Fire, leads the team.
• Berlin Thunder (Germany): The Thunder have relocated to the Preussenstadion in Berlin and are focusing on building a competitive team with a mix of American and European talent.
• Nordic Storm (Denmark/Sweden): As a new expansion team, the Nordic Storm represent Denmark and Sweden. They have made a strong debut, winning their first two games, and are led by head coach John Shoop.

Notable Player Movements

• Leander Wiegand: The offensive lineman, previously with the Munich Ravens, has signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent, marking a significant step for ELF players moving to the NFL.
• DJ Irons: The Wroclaw Panthers have added quarterback DJ Irons to their roster, aiming to improve their offensive performance after a challenging 2024 season.

Read more:

1. European League of Football – 2025 Schedule Release
2. Reuters – Jack Del Rio hired as Musketeers head coach
3. AS.com – Madrid Bravos 2025 season preview
4. Red Cup Rebellion – Leander Wiegand signs with Jets