Football League of Europe Lands with Financial Backing Over $10 Million
From the Pitch to the Continent
David Gandler, freshly minted owner of Leyton Orient Football Club, is diving headfirst into another venturesome endeavor—investing a hefty sum in the European strand of American football. Sources have tipped that this partnership is set to be publicly announced within the week.
It appears that Gandler's Goal Line Sports, a company under his control, is one of three strategic investors backing the expansion of the European League of Football (ELF). David's sports-centric portfolio sways with 885 Capital, sponsor of the new Baller League, and Oakvale Ventures, the sports-focused investment arm of Oakvale, on board as well.
According to whispers within the industry, this recent round of funding tops $10 million. It’s rumored that Gandler aims to establish a new ELF franchise right here in London.
The ELF, currently in its fifth season, boasts 16 teams, including the Madrid Bravos, Paris Musketeers, and Frankfurt Galaxy. Media rights to the tournament have been distributed across continents, with 101 games being broadcast each season.
This year's Championship-deciding match will unfold on September 7 at Stuttgart's MHP Arena. The trio of investors are said to have been drawn to the ELF by the opportunity to tap into a vast European market of roughly 500 million people, with the popularity of American football on the upswing.
As for the ELF, they remained tight-lipped upon numerous requests for comment.
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Enrichment Data:
- Investment Size and Structure: The latest funding round for ELF exceeds $10 million. With Goal Line Sports, Gandler, 885 Capital Limited (Dubai), and Oakvale Ventures Limited LLC (London) have come on board as new strategic shareholders in the league[1][2][5].
- Gandler’s Role: Gandler, as head of Goal Line Sports, brings digital sports, media, and technology expertise into the fold, leveraging his experience with FuboTV and his recent stint with Leyton Orient[1][2].
- Franchise Ambitions: Reports and sources suggest that Gandler is eyeing acquiring a new ELF franchise in London, a move seen as a significant step in the league’s expansion and the growth of American football in the UK[2][5].
- League Context: ELF comprises 16 teams across Europe, including Madrid Bravos, Paris Musketeers, and Frankfurt Galaxy. The new investment is likely to intensify the league’s professionalization and internationalization[1].
This investment signifies a positive trajectory for the ELF, with plans for a London franchise highlighting a dedication to expanding the league’s reach and sway in key European markets[1][5].
Football enthusiast David Gandler, having recently acquired Leyton Orient Football Club and demonstrated success in the Premier League, is now set to delve into European-leagues, notably the European League of Football (ELF). Going forward, he aims to invest a substantial sum, creatively combining his expertise in digital sports, media, and technology, while partnering with other strategic investors like 885 Capital and Oakvale Ventures, to establish a new ELF franchise in London.
