NFL Explores the Possibility of Expanding International Games
The NFL is considering the idea of expanding its international presence by either establishing a franchise in another country or having all 32 teams play one international game per season. This revelation came from NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly, who discussed the potential for more games being played outside of the United States on a call ahead of the first of five international games in the 2023 season.
Passion and demand for the NFL outside of the U.S. have been growing, prompting the league to explore these possibilities. O’Reilly emphasized the interest in bringing the game to a global audience, stating, “There is passion and demand for our game and for the NFL outside the U.S., and that’s why we’re exploring it as fully as we are.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars are set to make history as the first NFL team to play two games overseas in a single season. They will face the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills in London over the next two weeks. Additionally, in Weeks 9 and 10, two games will be played in Frankfurt, Germany, featuring matchups between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins, as well as the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots.
The NFL has been actively working to increase its popularity internationally. Over the years, the league has hosted a total of 104 games outside of the United States, with cities in Mexico, Canada, Germany, England, and Japan serving as venues for these matchups. In the current season, three games will be played in England and two in Germany.
Unfortunately, there are no games scheduled in Mexico this season due to stadium renovations. However, the league has previously played five regular-season games at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
To demonstrate its commitment to expanding its international presence, the NFL recently extended its partnership with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur until the 2029-30 season. Tottenham Hotspur has been designated as the “home of the NFL in the UK” and will host a minimum of two regular-season NFL games every year.
The NFL has been staging fixtures in the UK as part of its International Series since 2007. The Jacksonville Jaguars, in particular, have been heavily involved in these international games, having played a league-high nine games in England since the league began hosting games there. It is worth noting that the owner of the Jaguars, Shad Khan, also owns the Premier League’s Fulham FC.
Expanding the NFL’s international presence is seen as an opportunity to grow the sport and reach new fans around the world. By establishing a franchise in another country or having all teams play international games, the league aims to tap into the global passion for American football and further solidify its status as a global sports powerhouse.
As the NFL continues to explore these possibilities, fans can look forward to more exciting international matchups and potentially witnessing the birth of an NFL franchise outside of the United States. The league’s commitment to expanding its international reach is evident, and it is clear that the NFL sees immense potential in bringing American football to a global audience.
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