During a recent interview with former NFL player Markus Kuhn for German broadcaster RTL/ntv, league commissioner Roger Goodell affirmed that the National Football League will eventually field a franchise outside the United States. Goodell said, “At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day.”
International games set the stage
The statement comes as the NFL prepares to play a record nine games abroad this season, the most ever scheduled outside the United States. The 2026 slate includes three contests in England and single games in France (Paris), Australia (Melbourne), Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Germany (Munich), Spain (Madrid) and Mexico (Mexico City). These matches are part of the league’s broader strategy to grow the sport’s fan base on four continents.
Future franchise possibilities
Goodell indicated that the league’s long‑term vision goes beyond occasional exhibition games. He suggested that once an overseas franchise is established, its home stadium could be a candidate to host the Super Bowl. “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that,” he said, “but we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first.”
The idea of an overseas team has been discussed among league executives for years, but no concrete plans have been announced. Goodell’s comments signal that the NFL’s leadership views international expansion as a strategic priority, not merely a marketing experiment.
Implications for fans and markets
For American fans, the prospect of a foreign‑based team raises questions about travel, broadcast rights and the traditional regional identity of NFL clubs. For international audiences, the possibility of a permanent franchise could deepen local engagement, create new jobs, and stimulate related businesses such as stadium operations, hospitality and merchandise.
Local governments in potential host cities have already expressed interest in attracting an NFL franchise, citing economic development and tourism benefits. However, any future team would still need to navigate league approval processes, stadium requirements and the logistical challenges of trans‑Atlantic player movement.
What’s next?
The NFL has not provided a timeline for when an overseas franchise might be approved. Goodell’s remarks suggest that the league will continue to evaluate market viability, fan interest and infrastructure readiness before making a formal decision.
In the meantime, the league’s expanded international schedule will give fans around the world a chance to experience live NFL action, potentially laying the groundwork for a future permanent presence beyond American borders.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
