February 5, 2025
In a bold move to solidify its presence in the global sports arena, the National Football League (NFL) announced on February 5, 2025, that it will expand its international series, introducing several additional regular-season games in Europe, Mexico, and Asia during the 2025-2026 season. This expansion marks a significant leap forward in the NFL’s global outreach, further elevating American football’s footprint beyond North American borders and aligning with the league’s broader strategy to build a truly international fanbase.
As part of this expansion, the NFL will host a series of games in major cities such as London, Berlin, Tokyo, and Mexico City, with the goal of increasing engagement with international fans and enhancing the league’s brand globally. The games will be played across various international venues, with the league making significant investments to enhance these facilities, ensuring they meet the standards of an NFL game experience.
“We’ve seen remarkable success with our international games in London and Mexico City over the years, and now we’re ready to take it to the next level,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “This is about connecting with fans around the world and making the NFL accessible to anyone who shares our passion for the game. Expanding our reach internationally is vital for the long-term growth of the league.”
The international series will feature a mix of games, including matchups between high-profile teams, which will be chosen based on their global appeal and competitive balance. These games will not only be broadcast worldwide but will also be streamed live on NFL digital platforms, allowing fans to engage with the games in real-time from anywhere in the world.
In addition to the regular-season games, the NFL plans to host “NFL Experience” events in each city, providing fans with interactive and immersive opportunities to experience American football. These events will feature fan zones, player meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits, and even flag football tournaments, designed to foster deeper connections with local communities and inspire the next generation of football fans and players.
The move to increase the number of international games is a clear response to the growing demand for American football around the world. In recent years, the NFL has made substantial strides in expanding its global audience, with millions tuning in from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. With more than 100 million global fans, the league is confident that expanding its footprint will help cultivate even more international viewership and participation.
For fans outside of the United States, this expansion represents an exciting opportunity to experience the NFL in person without the need for long-haul travel to North America. As American football continues to grow in popularity, the league’s international games are expected to become a highly anticipated part of the sports calendar, generating increased revenue, sponsorship deals, and further global interest in the sport.
“The global impact of the NFL is already significant, and this expansion will only accelerate that growth,” said Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. “It’s an exciting time for our league, and the international fans are just as passionate and dedicated as any fan base in the U.S.”
With this move, the NFL joins other major global sports leagues, such as the NBA and European football leagues, in broadening their horizons and strengthening their global influence. By bringing American football to international audiences and investing in local communities, the NFL hopes to make the sport more accessible and inspire a new wave of international athletes and fans.
The 2025-2026 season will undoubtedly be a landmark year for the NFL, as it not only continues to dominate in the U.S. but also makes strides to become a truly global league. As the NFL builds towards its next international chapter, sports fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a game-changing season for American football.
