FOX NEWS: The Steelers Form Partnership with Borussia Dortmund to Foster International Collaboration
In a groundbreaking move for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Borussia Dortmund, the NFL franchise and the German Bundesliga club have announced an official partnership aimed at fostering international collaboration and promoting cross-cultural exchange between American football and European soccer. The partnership, revealed on April 8, 2025, is set to open doors for both clubs to expand their global fanbases while exploring various business, marketing, and fan engagement opportunities.
This unique partnership comes as no surprise given the growing interest in American football across Europe, where the NFL has made a significant push in recent years to establish a more substantial presence. Borussia Dortmund, one of the most successful and beloved football clubs in Germany, has a large international following, particularly in the U.S. The Steelers, in turn, are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, and their global recognition makes them an ideal partner for Borussia Dortmund as both clubs look to capitalize on their respective brand power.
The partnership will see the Steelers and Borussia Dortmund collaborate on a variety of initiatives, including fan engagement events, promotional campaigns, and shared marketing resources. A highlight of the collaboration will be the cross-attendance at key games, allowing fans from both teams to experience the best of American football and European soccer. Additionally, the two teams are set to explore joint sponsorship deals, leveraging their combined international appeal to attract global brands seeking to advertise within both sports.
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the mutual exchange of sports knowledge and expertise. As part of the agreement, Borussia Dortmund’s coaching staff and players will have the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh and attend Steelers training camps, offering valuable insights into the world of professional American football. Conversely, the Steelers will send select members of their coaching and training staff to Germany to observe Dortmund’s world-renowned soccer operations and learn more about the nuances of professional football from a European perspective.
Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II spoke at the announcement, expressing his excitement about the opportunity. “We’re thrilled to form this unique partnership with Borussia Dortmund,” said Rooney. “Both of our organizations share a deep passion for sports, and this collaboration will allow us to extend our reach to new audiences, while also providing opportunities for learning and growth. We look forward to what lies ahead as we work together to create new experiences for our fans and enhance our global presence.”
For Borussia Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, the partnership represents a new chapter in the club’s international growth. “We are excited to join forces with one of the most iconic franchises in the world,” Watzke said. “This partnership will not only allow us to engage with Steelers fans in the U.S. but also bring Borussia Dortmund closer to a global audience that we have yet to fully tap into. Together, we’ll create innovative ways to connect our fanbases and expand the reach of both clubs.”
As the NFL continues to grow in popularity in Europe, this partnership is expected to be the first of many similar collaborations between American and European sports organizations. With both the Steelers and Borussia Dortmund aiming to foster stronger connections with their respective fanbases, the future of sports partnerships across the Atlantic looks incredibly promising.
In addition to the potential business benefits, this collaboration is set to offer exciting opportunities for Steelers and Borussia Dortmund fans, who will experience new forms of interaction and engagement with both teams. Whether it’s through shared events or international promotions, the union of these two powerhouse organizations has the potential to revolutionize the way fans experience sports on a global scale.