Bierhoff: The Bundesliga can learn from the NFL model and try overseas games, but the pros and cons need to be weighed

Hupu reported on November 7 that former German national team coach Bierhoff believes that if European football can learn from the American National Football League (NFL)’s overseas competition model, it will help expand its influence and develop new markets.

Bierhoff said when attending the NFL Germany game in Berlin: "It is feasible to hold a few such games occasionally. People often underestimate the enthusiasm of overseas fans - they are eager to see their idols and favorite teams in person. This is not only beneficial to the club, but also helps the overall development of football."

The 57-year-old former German international also admitted that overseas games mean that players need to take a longer journey, but if you want to open up new markets and increase income, it is difficult to rely only on local games. He added that in Major League Soccer (MLS), teams often need to fly long distances to compete. Although this is indeed not easy to achieve under the tight schedule of football, I personally am not opposed to this attempt. Bierhoff will serve as a consultant to the NFL team New England Patriots starting in 2023.

However, Germany is still cautious about hosting Bundesliga games overseas. Watzke, spokesperson of the Bundesliga League (DFL) Presidium and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, made it clear: "We have different ideas in Germany and value tradition more. I do not think and do not want to see official Bundesliga games played abroad."

Bayern Munich Chairman Hainer also holds the same view: "I think the Bundesliga should belong to Germany. There are extremely large and professional teams here. They deserve to see their team in their home country."

However, Watzke also admitted that the NFL's business model is of great reference value: "In terms of marketing, the NFL is indeed at the forefront. It would be stupid if we completely ignored their experience."