NFL commissioner drives internationalization forward

The current NFL season is well underway, with the first of the International Games already completed. The number of games outside the U.S. is expected to increase in the future, at least according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

On October 13, the second of three NFL London Games took place between the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The previous week, the Minnesota Vikings faced the New York Jets, and on October 20, the Jacksonville Jaguars will meet the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium. In November, it will be Germany's turn, as the Munich Game featuring the New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers will take place on November 10. The matchup at the Allianz Arena marks the fifth and final International Game for the NFL this season. In addition to the three London Games and the Munich Game, the NFL also held its first-ever regular season game in Brazil at the start of the 2023 season.

Since 2019, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a venue for NFL games.
Since 2019, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a venue for NFL games. Image: NFL International


The NFL's shift towards international expansion is evident from the developments of recent years. Since 2007, the league has regularly visited London, initially with one game per season, and since 2013 with at least two. Between 2016 and 2019, and again in 2022, games were also played in Mexico, and since 2022, Germany has hosted regular-season NFL games.

A significant milestone in expanding markets outside the U.S. was reached in December 2021, when the league introduced the International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA). This allowed selected teams to actively market beyond the previously defined 75-mile radius around their home city. Two years later, the NFL announced plans to increase the number of International Games. Starting in 2025, up to eight international games will be allowed. Next season, Madrid will be added as another venue.

American football will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2025.
American football will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in 2025. Image: Stadionwelt

But that’s not the end of the story, at least not according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He is pushing for an expansion of the International Games to a total of 16 per season. This would create the opportunity for each franchise to participate in at least one international game every season. To accommodate this, the season would need to be extended by one game and a bye week, giving each franchise 18 games and 2 bye weeks per season. This expansion would ensure that season ticket holders wouldn’t lose any home games.

However, it may still be some time before this happens – especially considering reports from insiders that Goodell's views and the proposed pace of international expansion do not have broad support among franchise owners. For now, the goal is to reach the already-approved cap of eight international games. During a fan forum at the second NFL London Game, Goodell also provided some concrete hints about future plans. He indicated that the NFL would soon hold games in Dublin, and a feasibility study for holding games in the Irish capital is reportedly already underway.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin – along with Croke Park – is a potential venue for NFL games in Ireland.
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin – along with Croke Park – is a potential venue for NFL games in Ireland. Image: Aviva Stadium


The German capital, Berlin, is also under consideration for future regular-season games. While there is no official bid or similar proposal, there is said to be a fundamental interest. The NFL is generally keen to continue hosting games in Germany beyond 2025. (stadiaworld, 14.10.2024)