In the realm of American football, excitement and anticipation are building as the NFL gears up for an international extravaganza this season. The league is set to host four games overseas, with three taking place in London and one in Munich. This move signals a potential shift towards more frequent international games, with the ultimate goal of reaching 16 per season.
The allure of European cities like Dublin and Berlin as potential NFL destinations is gaining traction, adding to the existing roster that includes London, Munich, Frankfurt, and the alluring Spanish capital of Madrid, set to join the mix in 2025. As NFL teams venture across the pond, the Jacksonville Jaguars are slated to play two consecutive games in London this season, showcasing their global presence. Team owners have already approved eight regular-season games abroad, but Commissioner Roger Goodell is eyeing a doubling of that number.
“16 games a year is the goal, and we need to consider the logistical and operational aspects of expanding in this direction,” remarks Henry Hodgson, the general manager of the NFL’s UK office. With the NFL looking to expand its international reach, a two-week stint in Europe could become a standard for teams seeking to broaden their global footprint.
The NFL’s international itinerary features five exciting matchups this season, with games in London and Munich capturing fans’ attention. In London, the New York Jets will face the Minnesota Vikings, while the New York Giants take on the Carolina Panthers in Munich. The NFL’s foray into South America saw the Philadelphia Eagles triumph over the Green Bay Packers in a thrilling match in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
As teams strive to expand their reach globally, the Kansas City Chiefs are positioning themselves as the “world’s team.” Through the league’s global markets program, teams have secured commercial rights in select countries, paving the way for enhanced international engagement. The prospect of games in Dublin, Berlin, and other German cities has fans buzzing, with Paris looming as a potential future destination.
London has been a stalwart host of NFL games since 2007, while Germany joined the lineup in 2022. Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is poised to become a new hotspot for NFL action, with plans to make it an annual event. The venue’s retractable pitch will transform into an artificial turf field for American football, a development that has players like Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce eagerly anticipating the inaugural game.
In Ireland, Aviva Stadium in Dublin has been a popular destination for college football games, setting the stage for potential NFL matchups. The Steelers, Jets, and Jaguars have established commercial ties in Ireland through the global markets program, hinting at future games on Irish soil. The Steelers, in particular, have deep-rooted connections with Ireland, partnering with the influential Gaelic Athletic Association to expand their presence.
As the NFL continues to embrace international opportunities, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups on foreign soil. The league’s ambitions to expand its global footprint are in full swing, promising exciting developments in the world of American football.
