Anna 
German football powerhouse Borussia Dortmund has formed a unique partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL), combining two iconic sports cultures in a groundbreaking collaboration.
This first-of-its-kind partnership highlights the shared working-class, industrial history of both Dortmund and Pittsburgh. The aim is to attract new fans for both teams, create joint content, and explore business opportunities together.
As part of the collaboration, both clubs will introduce their sports to new audiences. Borussia Dortmund will bring football clinics to Pittsburgh, while the Steelers will showcase Flag Football, a sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympics.
This partnership marks the first official cross-sport collaboration for both teams and is also part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program. In 2024, the Steelers gained commercial rights in Germany, strengthening their global reach.
Dan Rooney, Director of Business Development and Strategy at the Pittsburgh Steelers, expressed excitement about the partnership’s potential: “This collaboration helps us connect with new fans and boost the visibility of both Pittsburgh and Dortmund as international sports hubs.”
The partnership is also a strategic move for Borussia Dortmund, who opened a business office in New York City to oversee commercial activities across North America. Marc Lingenhoff, Managing Director of BVB Americas, said, “This partnership goes beyond football. The Steelers embody values that align with ours, and we aim to unite sport, community, and culture in a meaningful way.”
The agreement further strengthens the bond between the cities of Dortmund and Pittsburgh, known as Stahlstadt (Steel City) in Germany, following an inter-municipal innovation agreement signed in 2022.
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