Sky Sports understands that seven German cities have expressed interest in hosting the NFL; Munich confirms that it is in “initial negotiations” with the league; Hamburg recognizes that the time frame is potentially too short; Berlin does not participate in the bidding process, but remains open to hosting games.
Seven German cities, including Munich, have announced their interest to host the NFL amid the league’s plans to expand its international operations to mainland Europe, Sky Sports has learned.
London-based The Sports Consultancy is currently helping the NFL work with German cities to understand how “strategic partnerships can be structured for potential games in 2022–2025”.
“At this point in the process, we have received expressions of interest from seven German cities,” Consulting Director Matt Wilson told Sky Sports. “We are currently working with each city to support them in setting up a bidding consortium, developing a partnership model, and studying production feasibility.
“We expect to receive indicative proposals in early September that will allow the NFL to finalize the host list with a view to identifying the preferred partner for potential games in Germany in early 2022.”
Sports Consultancy was unable to release the names of seven stakeholders, but expects to shortlist the candidate cities in September or October.
Sky Sports contacted the three cities regarding their position in the process.
In response to an appeal to the Lord Mayor of Munich, Deiter Reiter, for comment, the city’s Department of Education and Sports confirmed that they are in “initial negotiations” with the league about the possible hosting of the games.
“We are currently awaiting additional information from the NFL regarding the requirements that must be met for implementation in Munich,” added spokesman Thomas Gross. “As a rule, the final application can only be submitted after approval by the city council. As soon as the LHM receives the remaining information, it will be reviewed and submitted to the city council for a decision. “
The Allianz Arena of Bavaria Munich is the second largest stadium in Germany with a seating capacity of 75,000, immediately after the Westfalenstadion of Borussia Dortmund with 81,365 seats.
