European League of Football
European professional league founded in November 2020 by Patrick Esume and Željko Karajica; first season in 2021 with eight teams. It had two Spanish franchises, Barcelona Dragons (2021-2024) and Madrid Bravos (2024-2025). It did not play a 2026 season: the Hamburg court opened insolvency proceedings on 23 March 2026.
HistoryFrom Badalona to Madrid: the story of American football in Spain
Pillar article on how American football arrived in Spain, who brought it, how competitions were born and where the sport stands today. Every milestone links to its source.
12 September 2026 · 9 min read
- History
Barcelona Dragons: rise, fall and legacy of professional football in Barcelona
Barcelona has had professional football in two different eras under the same name. This article separates both stages, explains what links them (only the name) and documents how each one ended.
12 September 2026 · 6 min read
- Europe
Madrid Bravos: how a professional project tried to connect Spain with Europe
What the Madrid Bravos were, how they fared in the ELF, their relationship with the NFL and why Spain has no European professional team in 2026.
12 September 2026 · 6 min read
Sources
Last verified: 12 September 2026- [1]
This is the European League of Football!
European League of Football (web oficial, copia en Internet Archive) · League official · 12 February 2022 · accessed 12 September 2026
- [2]
European League of Football announce new franchise for 2024
European League of Football (web oficial, copia en Internet Archive) · League official · 19 May 2023 · accessed 12 September 2026
- [3]
Esume to step down as ELF Commissioner at season end
European League of Football (web oficial, copia en Internet Archive) · League official · 25 July 2025 · accessed 12 September 2026
- [4]
Die ELF ist offiziell insolvent
Football Austria · Press · 26 March 2026 · accessed 12 September 2026