American Football League Europe Activates Financial Protection Plan to Support Berlin Thunder
The American Football League Europe (AFLE) announced today that the league has activated a financial protection plan to support Berlin Thunder that have encountered financial difficulties in recent weeks. The measure fully secures the ongoing operations of the affected franchise for the 2026 season and beyond, a strong signal for the long-term stability and solidarity within the AFLE.
This decision reflects the core philosophy on which the AFLE was founded: a professionally managed, long-term financed American football league in Europe that actively stands by its franchises in challenging moments rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.
Together as a League: Solidarity Over Separation
“A league is only as strong as its teams. When one of our franchises faces a difficult financial situation, it is our duty as a league to take responsibility and find solutions,” said Moritz Heisler, Managing Director and COO of the AFLE. He added, “This is precisely why we built this league the way we did: committed not to short-term returns, but to the long-term development of a stable American football infrastructure in Europe.”
Security for Players, Coaches and Staff
The financial protection plan fully secures all ongoing commitments of the Berlin Thunder to their players, coaching staff, employees and contractual partners. With this step, the AFLE sends a clear signal: anyone who plays, works or coaches in this league can rely on a professional and secure environment.
“Our goal is to build an environment in Europe where American football can be played at the highest level,” Heisler said. “That is not compatible with uncertainty about salaries, contract terms or the existence of franchises. This is exactly where the financial protection plan comes in.”
The Season Continues as Planned
The team will remain fully active member of the AFLE, both on the field and operationally, and will continue the 2026 season as planned. This weekend’s game between Berlin Thunder and Wroclaw Panthers will take place as scheduled, with the franchise still competing under the name Berlin Thunder for this fixture. The game is fully organized by the American Football League Europe, not by FBG Football Berlin GmbH. Regarding this matter, the AFLE is working closely and continuously with insolvency administrator Prof. Dr. Torsten Martini, maintaining an excellent and ongoing exchange with him throughout this process. From a legal standpoint, the company he manages does not step in; this would not be possible due to the insufficiency of the estate in these proceedings. Thus, neither he nor FBG Football Berlin GmbH is responsible for the game. The league looks forward to a positive and exciting end of the season.
