NFL Executive Vice President Discusses Possibility of International Franchise and More Games Abroad
The NFL is considering the idea of having a franchise based in another country or having all 32 teams play one international game per season, according to NFL Executive Vice President Peter O’Reilly. In a call ahead of the first of five international games in the 2023 season, O’Reilly discussed the potential expansion of the NFL’s presence outside the United States. The league has been exploring opportunities to grow its popularity internationally due to the passion and demand for American football in other countries.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will 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, the NFL will play two games in Frankfurt, Germany. The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Miami Dolphins, while the Indianapolis Colts will face the New England Patriots.
The NFL has been actively working to increase its popularity internationally. Over the years, the league has hosted 104 games outside the United States, with cities in Mexico, Canada, Germany, England, and Japan serving as venues for matchups. This year, the league will play three games in England and two in Germany. However, there are no games scheduled in Mexico this season due to stadium renovations. Estadio Azteca in Mexico City has previously hosted five regular-season games.
The NFL’s commitment to expanding its international presence is evident through its partnership with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Earlier this month, it was announced that the NFL and Tottenham Hotspur extended their partnership until the 2029-30 season. Tottenham Hotspur has been given official status as the home of the NFL in the UK. As part of the agreement, a minimum of two regular-season NFL games will be hosted by Tottenham every year.
The NFL has been staging fixtures in the UK as part of their International Series since 2007. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have played the most games in England, will continue to be at the forefront of the league’s international efforts. The team’s owner, Shad Khan, also owns the Premier League’s Fulham FC.
The NFL’s expansion plans are driven by the passion and demand for American football outside the United States. The league recognizes the potential for growth and aims to provide fans around the world with more opportunities to experience live NFL games. Whether it’s through a franchise based in another country or all teams playing international games, the NFL is actively exploring ways to make this a reality.
In conclusion, the NFL is considering the possibility of having a franchise based in another country or having all 32 teams play one international game per season. The league’s Executive Vice President, Peter O’Reilly, discussed these ideas ahead of the 2023 international games. The Jacksonville Jaguars will make history by playing two games overseas in a single season, while Frankfurt, Germany, will host two games as well. The NFL has been actively working to increase its popularity internationally and has hosted numerous games outside the United States. The league’s partnership with Tottenham Hotspur demonstrates its commitment to expanding its presence in the UK. With the passion and demand for American football outside the United States, the NFL is exploring various options to provide fans worldwide with more opportunities to enjoy live NFL games.