The Indianapolis Colts announced plans to expand their fanbase to Germany and Austria on Aug. 13. The decision comes after the organization’s acceptance into the NFL’s Global Markets Program earlier this year.
As part of this initiative, the Colts will partner with former linebacker Björn Werner, who played for the team from 2013 to 2015. Werner will serve as the ambassador of the franchise in Germany and Austria.
“Everyone in Germany knows my deep passion for American football,” Werner said in a press release. “I’m so proud and excited to rejoin my former team to represent the Horseshoe in Germany and beyond.”
He is a prominent figure in European football media, and will help the Colts build relationships with fans in the region.
Additionally, the Colts hired Ben Guerrero as their first-ever Director of International. Guerrero will oversee the Colts’ international expansion efforts.
Guerrero has a background in communications and marketing; The new Director of International will be responsible for developing strategies to grow the fanbase in Germany and Austria.
The Colts‘ expansion plans include several initiatives:
such as working with Bromance Sports, a German media company co-founded by Werner, to create original digital content for fans in Germany and Austria. The plans also call for making Colts games more accessible to fans in the aforementioned countries by working to broadcast games in Europe. The expansion also promotes opportunities for younger fans to learn and play football.
“Not only will we introduce the great tradition and history of the Colts to Germany and Europe, but we will continue to grow our game and give more people the opportunity to learn and play the sport around the world,” Werner said.
Last season, the Colts faced the rival New England Patriots as a part of the NFL International Series in Frankfort, Germany.
The Colts stressed that their international expansion will not affect fans in Indiana. The Colts will continue to play their games in Indianapolis.
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