Explore the NFL’s ambitious global expansion strategy as it doubles its international games to eight by 2025, including a historic regular-season game in Brazil, marking its first venture into South America.
[su_box title=”Key Takeaways” box_color=”#003F81″ title_color=”#FFFFFF” radius=”9″]
- The NFL will increase its international games to eight per season from 2025, showcasing a significant step in its global expansion.
- Sao Paulo, Brazil, will host an NFL regular-season game in 2024, a historic move into South American territory.
- The NFL’s global fanbase is growing, with Brazil having the second-largest international fanbase, emphasizing the league’s efforts to connect with fans worldwide.
[/su_box]
Expansion of International Games from 2025
The National Football League (NFL) has passed a resolution to increase the number of international games each season to eight starting in 2025. This decision, made at a league meeting in Dallas, Texas, marks a significant step in the NFL’s global expansion efforts. The 2022 season featured five international games, with one in Frankfurt, Germany, breaking an NFL Network viewing record.
São Paulo to Host South American Debut
In 2024, the NFL will make a historic move by hosting its first regular season game in South America. The game will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, at the Corinthians Arena, joining three games in London, UK, and one in Munich, Germany.
Rules and Regulations of International Fixtures
To accommodate this expansion, the NFL has stipulated that no club will be required to play more than one regular season game outside North America in the same season, unless they choose to. Additionally, international games will not be scheduled after week 14 of each NFL season.
Roger Goodell’s Vision for the NFL
Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, emphasized the importance of becoming a global sport as a major strategic priority for the league and its 32 teams. He stated, “Increasing international game inventory allows us to grow our global presence and connect with more fans around the world.”
Joel Glazer on International Game Success
Joel Glazer, chair of the league’s international committee and owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, expressed excitement about the success of international games and the opportunity to share American football with more global fans.
NFL’s International Game History
Since the NFL’s first regular season game in Mexico in 2005, 50 games have been played internationally. The Green Bay Packers completed the full participation of all 32 franchises in the UK last year. Goodell highlighted the importance of the NFL’s debut in Brazil, acknowledging the country as a key market with over 38 million fans. Brazil’s Corinthians Stadium, a former FIFA World Cup and Olympics venue, will host the game.
NFL’s Broadcast Presence in Brazil
In Brazil, NFL games are broadcasted by RedeTV and ESPN, further enhancing the league’s visibility in the country.
Future NFL Milestones
Los Angeles is set to host the 2027 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium, marking the ninth time the city will host this iconic event. Super Bowl LVIII will occur in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024 preceding the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
