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Roger Goodell discussed the possibility of hosting a Super Bowl outside the U.S. as part of the NFL’s international expansion. He linked this to plans for more regular-season games abroad, possibly growing to 16 international games, and the potential for franchises outside the U.S.
Rodger Goodell focuses on increasing international games, no timeline for super bowl abroad
“I do think there’s potential someday we’re going to have an international franchise,” Rodger Goodell said. “And if we do, I think it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there.”
Goodell did not provide specific details on when or where a Super Bowl might be held outside the U.S. However, the NFL’s primary focus remains expanding its global footprint by hosting more regular-season games internationally. The league is looking to increase the number of games played abroad, which could include locations like London, Germany, and Mexico.
In 2024, the NFL held five international games, including matches in England, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. São Paulo hosted Brazil’s first NFL game, featuring the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. This reflects the NFL’s efforts to expand its global reach.
Roger Goodell highlighted the São Paulo game as a success in attracting new fans to the NFL. The game, which marked Brazil’s first-ever NFL matchup, was seen as a significant milestone in expanding the league’s presence in South America.
“That was a great opportunity for them to get a sense of what it’s like to be in our stadium during a game,” Goodell said of fans at the São Paulo game. “And to experience it, and the reaction and spark that it creates is critical to our efforts. … That’s our job, is to try to bring more fan access on a global basis.”
In November 2024, Roger Goodell announced that the NFL’s goal for the 2025 season is to hold eight games in international cities. This includes the league’s first-ever game in Spain, with the Miami Dolphins set to play in Madrid. While the opponent and exact date for the game are still to be determined, this marks a significant step in the NFL’s efforts to expand its global reach.
Goodell emphasized that the NFL’s long-term objective is to expand further, aiming to eventually host 16 international games per season. This would involve playing more games in current international markets like London, Germany, and Mexico, as well as expanding into new territories. The league is working on building the infrastructure and fan base necessary to support such an expansion, with the goal of making the NFL a truly global league.
“We do think that 16 is something that is realistic,” Goodell said Monday, reiterating a goal he set in October.
Roger Goodell has stated that expanding to 16 international games would require the NFL to extend its regular season from 17 to 18 games. This has been a goal for both Goodell and NFL owners, as it would help accommodate the increased number of international games while also providing more opportunities for revenue growth.
According to the Washington Post, NFL owners are hoping to implement the 18-game season within the next two to three years. However, doing so would require the approval of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs through 2030. The NFLPA would need to agree to the increase, which could raise concerns about player health, safety, and workload, as an 18-game season would place additional physical demands on players.
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For the NFL to move forward with this plan, negotiations between the league and the players’ union would need to address these concerns while balancing the league’s ambitions for expansion and the players’ well-being.
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