London Guard Unveiled as London’s Professional American Football Franchise
New East London franchise will play at BetWright Stadium & compete in the European Football Alliance from the 2027 season
LONDON (August 11, 2026) — London Guard has today been officially unveiled as a professional American football franchise that will compete in the European Football Alliance (EFA) from the 2027 season.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of American football across Europe, following the successful launch of the European Football Alliance in 2026. The addition of London strengthens the league’s commitment to establishing sustainable professional franchises in Europe’s most passionate sporting markets.
The London Guard will play its home games at BetWright Stadium, home of Leyton Orient Football Club. The franchise will bring elite American football to the capital while building a team rooted in community, ambition and opportunity.
David Gandler, Founder and General Partner of Gandler Sports Group, said: “London Guard gives us an opportunity to engage a wider cross-section of the community, including audiences beyond English football’s traditional fan base, while making better year-round use of BetWright Stadium and creating additional value for Leyton Orient.
“Both organisations share a long-term commitment to Waltham Forest—supporting local economic opportunity and creating meaningful pathways for young people through sport, skills development and employment.”
William Elgeti, General Manager of London Guard, said: “We are incredibly proud to introduce London Guard. We want to build a club with purpose–one that brings an electric gameday atmosphere to East London, connects with the community, inspires the next generation and gives British American Football something to rally behind.”
The London Guard has been established with a long-term vision to inspire participation in American football throughout the United Kingdom. Alongside its professional programme, the organisation will invest in community engagement, youth development, flag football initiatives and opportunities to grow men’s and women’s participation in the sport.
The franchise is now assembling football and business operations, with further announcements regarding coaching staff, player recruitment, branding activations, ticket information and community programmes to follow over the coming months.
Fans can follow the London Guard across social media from today, where exclusive behind the-scenes content, launch activations and future announcements will be shared as the journey towards the inaugural 2027 season begins.
Follow London Guard across social media and join the growing community behind London’s newest professional American Football team.
Instagram @londonguardfootball
YouTube @londonguardfootball
About London Guard
London Guard is London’s professional American football franchise and will compete in the European Football Alliance (EFA) beginning in 2027. The franchise is owned by Gandler Sports Group, which is also the majority owner of Leyton Orient Football Club. Based in East London and playing its home games at BetWright Stadium in E10, London Guard is committed to building a championship organisation while growing American football through community engagement, youth development and fan-first experiences across the United Kingdom.
Media Contact
Charlie Elgeti
Gandler Sports Group Contact