In a bold initiative to further solidify American football's presence on the global stage, the NFL is significantly expanding its international reach. This year alone, fans around the world will enjoy five exciting international games scattered across three different countries, marking a new chapter in the sport's international journey.
Historic Debuts and Future Plans
Among the highlights of this ambitious expansion is the NFL's historic debut in Brazil. This venture into South America is a testament to the league's commitment to bringing American football to new and enthusiastic audiences. Additionally, the NFL already has plans to feature games in Madrid, Spain, next season, further embedding the sport into European soil.
But these moves are just the beginning. The NFL is eyeing a return to Mexico City, a market that has previously shown immense passion for American football. Furthermore, future plans include exploring new cities such as Paris, Dublin, and several potential locations in Australia, illustrating the extensive scope of this global expansion.
Commissioner's Vision and Commitment
Driving this expansive vision is NBA Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has been vocal about his commitment to globalizing the sport. "We feel like this game is destined to be global," Goodell stated, a sentiment that underscores his unwavering belief in the international potential of American football. He has also hinted at more ambitious future ventures, saying, "We expect to be in Asia soon. We expect to be in Australia soon. We're going to make sure that our game is available around the globe."
Goodell’s initiatives go hand in hand with strategic resolutions passed by the NFL's ownership. The league has mandated that every franchise must host at least one international game every four years, which necessitates each team to forego a home game for the broader goal of international outreach. "And I think the ownership has been great on that. They've passed a resolution where every team is obligated to play (outside the United States as teams have to give up a home game once every four years). We're going to have eight games a year, minimum," Goodell remarked, outlining the structured approach to global expansion.
Season Caps and Future Prospects
This year, the total number of international games is capped at eight per season. However, Goodell suggested that this number could increase depending on future adjustments to the NFL schedule. He alluded to a potential future where the season might see an 18-game regular season with reduced preseason games, which could open the door for an even greater number of international showdowns. "And if we do get to an 18 and two (preseason games), we likely will see even more international games. And I hope someday we'll be playing 16," he explained.
Nurturing a New Era of Fans
The overarching goal of this expansive effort is to foster sustained interest and cultivate new generations of fans worldwide. By bringing live games to diverse locations and establishing deeper connections with international audiences, the NFL aims to make American football a truly global sport. This effort represents not just a series of games but a broader strategy to engage and excite fans in every corner of the world.
As the NFL continues to chart its course across new territories, the anticipation among global fans is palpable. With strategic planning, enthusiastic support from team owners, and the unwavering vision of Commissioner Roger Goodell, the future of American football looks brighter and more international than ever.