March 16, 2025
In a groundbreaking move to expand the National Football League’s (NFL) global footprint, the league announced today a new series of international preseason games starting in the summer of 2025. The move represents a significant effort to increase the NFL’s presence beyond North America and cement its place as one of the world’s premier sports leagues.
The NFL’s decision to play preseason games in select international cities is a major step forward in its global strategy. The league will host games in key markets including London, Mexico City, Toronto, and for the first time, Sydney, Australia. This global push aims to build on the success of the NFL International Series, which has brought regular-season games to London and Mexico City for over a decade.
“We are excited to expand the NFL’s reach internationally and bring our game to fans around the world,” said Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner. “This new initiative marks the next phase of our long-term vision to grow the NFL’s global audience and ensure that American football continues to resonate with fans everywhere.”
The international preseason games will feature top NFL teams and will be part of the league’s strategy to boost fan engagement and attract new markets. The NFL has already seen an enthusiastic response from overseas fans attending the regular-season games in London and Mexico City, and the addition of preseason games is expected to further energize these regions.
The inclusion of Sydney as a host city for the first time is a particularly exciting development. Australia has seen a steady increase in interest for American football, with growing numbers of fans tuning in to watch NFL games, particularly on streaming platforms. The game in Sydney will be held at the Allianz Stadium, which is expected to offer an electric atmosphere and a chance for Australians to experience the NFL in person.
In addition to London, Mexico City, and Sydney, Toronto will also host preseason matchups. As the NFL’s closest international neighbor, Canada has long been a market for American football, with many Canadians avid fans of the sport. The Toronto game will be played at the Rogers Centre, a familiar venue for NFL games, and is expected to draw thousands of Canadian fans eager to see their favorite NFL stars in action.
One of the key goals of the NFL’s international expansion is to foster the growth of youth football programs in these new markets. The league plans to partner with local organizations in each city to provide resources, training camps, and youth development programs designed to cultivate future generations of players. The NFL has committed to investing in the development of American football leagues in these countries, building stronger grassroots movements and creating a pipeline for talented athletes to eventually compete in the NFL.
The decision to expand the preseason format is also seen as a strategy to minimize the logistical challenges associated with regular-season games abroad. By using preseason games, the NFL can introduce international fans to the excitement of American football without disrupting the regular-season schedule. The league has also promised that future regular-season games may be included in the international series, further expanding opportunities for international fans to see NFL action in their own countries.
As the NFL continues to build its global brand, the league’s move to bring American football to new corners of the world reflects the growing demand for diverse sports experiences. With its vast international viewership and increasing global appeal, the NFL is positioning itself for a future where American football is enjoyed by millions of fans from all corners of the globe.
The 2025 international preseason games will provide a glimpse into the future of NFL expansion, and as the league continues its mission to bring football to fans worldwide, the potential for growth seems boundless. This historic announcement marks the beginning of a new era for the NFL, one that will likely play a pivotal role in reshaping the global sports landscape.
