NFL's Global Push
NFL Commissioner Goodell Confirms Plans for First International Franchise and Future Super Bowl
Key Points
Week 1's international game in Melbourne will feature the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, marking the start of nine NFL regular-season games outside the United States this season.
"There are definitely international cities that could host something like that," Goodell said, but added, "we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first."
In 2026, marquee NFL franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are set to participate in international games.
London remains the NFL's core international hub, hosting three games this season and 42 regular-season games since 2007; the league has signaled plans to expand to as many as 10 international games next season, with seven more scheduled through 2029.
The NFL is heading global — and Commissioner Roger Goodell says an international franchise is inevitable. The league is playing nine regular-season games outside the United States this season, with cities like Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City all on the schedule. Front Office Sports has identified three cities — London, Munich, and Mexico City — as the most likely homes for the NFL's first overseas team.
Goodell did not stop at permanent teams. He also floated the idea of an international Super Bowl. "There are definitely international cities that could host something like that," Goodell said — but added, "we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first."
London, Munich, and Mexico City Lead the Race
London is the clear frontrunner for a permanent NFL franchise. The city has hosted 42 regular-season games since 2007, according to Charlotte Observer. This season alone, London hosts three games. The NFL has also signaled plans to grow from nine to as many as 10 international games next season, with seven more London games already scheduled through 2029.
Munich and Mexico City round out the top three candidates, Sacramento Bee reported. Mexico City has a massive existing fan base and a modern stadium. Munich gives the NFL a foothold in the heart of Europe. All three cities have already hosted regular-season NFL games, giving the league real data on fan demand and logistics.
Nine International Games Mark a Record-Breaking Season
The NFL's 2025 international schedule is its biggest ever. Week 1 kicks off with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia — a first for that country. Brazil, France, and Spain are also hosting NFL games for the first time this season.
In 2026, the league is sending some of its biggest names abroad. The Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers are all set to play international games, according to Idaho Statesman. Star teams draw star audiences, and the NFL is clearly using that to build its brand overseas.
Goodell's Vision: A Team First, Super Bowl Second
Goodell has been careful about the order of operations. He wants a permanent international team in place before the league even thinks about hosting a Super Bowl abroad. The Super Bowl is the NFL's biggest event, drawing over 100 million TV viewers. Hosting one overseas would be a massive statement about global reach.
Crossing Broad noted that some fans have joked the league could simply relocate an existing struggling franchise rather than create a new one. But Goodell's comments suggest the league sees international expansion as a growth move, not a punishment. A new team in a new market means new revenue, new fans, and a bigger global footprint.
Why the NFL Is Moving Fast on Global Growth
The NFL's push overseas is not just about football. It is about money and market share. Soccer, rugby, and cricket already dominate in Europe, Australia, and South America. The NFL wants a permanent seat at the table in those markets before another sport fills the gap.
Playing nine games abroad this season costs the league time and logistics. But Goodell clearly sees it as an investment. Each game in a new city is a test. Melbourne, Rio, and Madrid are proving grounds. If the numbers work — tickets sold, TV deals signed, merchandise moved — a franchise follows. The blueprint is already in motion, according to Bradenton Herald.
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