There’s currently seven teams in the Baltic states (listed alphabetically below). Most of the Baltic teams often have limited resources and fluctuating rosters, meaning that they play different variations of American football, including both full contact and flag. Players often have to balance offense and defense roles by playing “iron man” football. They play in leagues both in and outside the Baltic region.
Founded in 2016 by a small group of American football enthusiasts in Kaunas. In 2016 the Dukes played only flag football. The following year, while still playing flag football, they began purchasing equipment and, by the end of 2017, were able play in a full contact friendly games. From a just a handful of players they expanded to a diverse roster of over 70 members within five years, including athletes from Australia, Canada, Germany, Georgia, India, Italy, and Mexico. The team enjoys an active collaboration with Vytautas Magnus University (VDU), hosting training sessions and educational events, introducing the sport to students and promoting American football through various events, contributing to the growth of the game in Lithuania. The Kaunas Dukes have grown from a grassroots startup into a prominent club in the Baltic region. They compete across Baltic and Polish leagues.
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Founded in 2023, he KlaipÄ—da Curonians are a grassroots American football club deeply rooted in community engagement, with active training programs, school outreach. The team visits local schools, such as KlaipÄ—da University and regional gymnasiums (e.g., Telšiai and KlaipÄ—da’s Herman Zudermano gymnasium), introducing flag football, helmet demos, and ball-throwing techniques to students. They also have growing collaborations with established teams, particularly the Kaunas Dukes. They’re fostering interest and building the sport’s presence in western Lithuania. The Curonians organize regular practices year-round—ray or shine—and often participate in events like Kaunas Dukes’ “Rookie Day” to build skills and connections.
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Established in 2020, the Riga Bears are currently Latvia’s only American football team. The team welcomes international players and rookies alike, taking pride in being open to newcomers and encouraging anyone eager to try the sport to join their practice sessions. They have open practices and organize events like the “Bear Bowl,” an informal intra-team end-of-season match.
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With flag football—a non-contact variant growing in popularity—set to debut as an Olympic sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Tallinn Bay Ballers are aiming to position themselves as Estonia’s leading flag team. Founded in autumn 2023, the Bay Ballers quickly began competing in international competitions and engaging in community-building. The team is gearing up for more international tournaments and local events, which includes playing against teams from Latvia and Lithuania.
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The Tallinn Kings, formerly the Tallinn Torm (Storm) has roots dating back to 2006. Known as the Kings since 2019, they currently hold training twice a week, 20:30 on Tuesday and 20:30 on Sunday in Sõle Sports Center (Sõle Spordikeskus), Kristiine, Tallinn. In 2018, players from the Kings made up part of Team Estonia in the Baltic League, playing against Latvian and Lithuanian teams.
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Founded in 2009, the Tartu Titans are one of Estonia’s longest running clubs currently active in Estonia. In 2018, players from the Kings made up part of Team Estonia in the Baltic League, playing against Latvian and Lithuanian teams. The Titans emerged as one of Estonia’s first serious American football teams, laying a foundational role alongside clubs like Tallinn Storm/Kings. Early years saw collaboration with Finnish leagues, with some of the Titans players competing in Finland’s III-division alongside Tallinn-based players. Like other Baltic teams, they often balanced offense and defense roles across smaller rosters. The Tartu Titans are a cornerstone of American football in Estonia. Founded in 2009, the initially played in the Finnish league. As one of Estonia’s original teams, the Titans have helped shape the local American football landscape and are influential in cross-border competitions.
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Established March 2016, the Iron Wolves were Lithuania’s first organized contact football team, born from the growing local interest in flag football and NFL fandom. Their name draws inspiration from the legendary “Iron Wolf,” a mythical creature symbolizing strength and the founding of Vilnius—reflecting both local heritage and football’s athleticism. A highly international team, their players and coaches have come from around the world, including the USA. The club places strong emphasis on team unity, discipline, and trust—elements they compare to military precision. Operating as an amateur-but-professional club, they welcome rookies, insist on structured training, and often schedule open “Rookie Day” sessions at FanĹł stadium in Vilnius. They train twice a week indoors at venues like BTA Arena, with additional gym access through partnerships (e.g., GymPlius). Their “home field” is often the LFF Stadium or Vingio Park Rugby Stadium, hosting matches that draw hundreds of fans and are streamed live, either on TV or online. Beyond training and playing competitive games and competitions, they actively promote the sport in Lithuania, entering public events and outreach initiatives alongside other teams. Key goals include building a competitive regional team, expanding local interest, and helping to cultivate a third Lithuanian club to enable a national federation.
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If you’ve started, or you’re thinking of starting your own team, feel free to reach out to Gridiron Baltic using the contact form. Whether you’re thinking flag or full tackle, we can help put you in touch with other teams and people across the region to help grow the sport in the Baltic region.
