NFL coming to Berlin in 2025: A historic game at the Olympiastadion
NFL celebrates comeback to Berlin after 30 years
“We are very excited to bring the NFL back to Berlin,” said Alexander Steinforth, General Manager of NFL Germany. “With nearly 20 million NFL fans in Germany and an impressive tradition in the capital, we want to open the next chapter of our relationship with Berlin.”
Back in the 1990s, the Olympiastadion was already the stage for NFL action, when the so-called American Bowls were played in Berlin. At the time, legends such as Joe Montana and Jerry Rice took the field. Now the NFL returns with a regular-season game – a significant step in further expanding the league’s presence in Germany.
The 2025 game marks the beginning of a series of future NFL games in Berlin: as part of a long-term plan, additional games are scheduled for 2027 and 2029 in the capital. Berlin submitted its bid in mid-November, and the Senate will invest up to 12.5 million euros, while the NFL is contributing around 50 million euros.
Which teams will face off in Berlin in 2025?
The NFL is betting on the tremendous enthusiasm for American football in Germany, and a game in Berlin will be another highlight following the already successful games in Munich and Frankfurt. “Berlin is the perfect city for the NFL – full of energy, passion, and a deep-rooted sports tradition,” added Steinforth.
Which teams will meet in the Olympiastadion in 2025 remains a mystery for now. One strong candidate for an appearance in Berlin is the Detroit Lions, who could shine with German star Amon-Ra St. Brown. But it remains to be seen which teams will have the honor of playing in front of around 70,000 fans at the Olympiastadion.
What is certain is that major renovations will be necessary in Berlin. The field at the Olympiastadion must be extended to meet NFL requirements. In addition, similar to what was done in Frankfurt in 2023, the locker rooms must be redesigned to provide enough space for the large team rosters and staff on game day.
