Photo Credit: New York Times
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just changed the conversation around international expansion. Goodell now believes an NFL team outside the United States will happen. His comments directly challenge the idea that the league will never establish an international franchise. Goodell made the comments during an interview with German broadcaster RTL/ntv. He spoke with former NFL player Markus Kuhn during the World Games in Düsseldorf. Goodell expressed strong confidence in the league’s international future. The commissioner did not name a specific city for the potential franchise. However, his comments show that international expansion remains a serious possibility. Goodell Sees International Team as Inevitable Goodell’s latest comments mark a notable shift from earlier discussions.
The NFL has spent years building its international presence through regular-season games. Now, the league appears ready to consider something much bigger. Goodell said he has no doubt that an NFL team will eventually operate outside the United States. He also suggested that an international team could eventually help bring the Super Bowl overseas. That possibility would represent a major change for the NFL. The league has never permanently based a franchise outside the United States. Still, Goodell sees the international market continuing to grow. The NFL plans to use that growth as part of its long-term strategy.
The NFL Keeps Expanding Globally
The league will play a record nine international games during the 2026 season. Those games will take place across four continents. The schedule includes games in England, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Brazil. It also introduces regular-season games in France and Australia. London remains one of the league’s strongest international markets. The city will host three games during the 2026 season. The NFL also returns to Madrid, Munich, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Paris and Melbourne will welcome regular-season NFL games for the first time. That expansion gives the league more information about potential markets. It also allows the NFL to study fan interest in different countries.
London Could Become a Major Candidate
If the NFL eventually places a franchise overseas, London could attract significant attention. The United Kingdom has hosted more NFL regular-season games than any other international market. The league also has a strong connection with British football fans. The Jacksonville Jaguars have developed an especially strong relationship with London. The franchise has played multiple regular-season games there. However, Goodell has not announced London as an expansion destination. The league still needs to determine whether an international franchise can work financially and logistically. Travel would create one of the biggest challenges. An overseas team would face lengthy trips for road games. Other teams would also travel internationally when visiting that franchise. The NFL would need to consider competitive balance, player recovery and scheduling. Those issues could become even more important with a larger international footprint.
Goodell Has Discussed This Possibility Before
Goodell’s latest comments did not come completely out of nowhere. Earlier this year, he said the NFL had not ruled out international expansion. He called an international team very possible someday. Goodell also discussed the league’s desire to play 16 international games each season. That plan could eventually involve every NFL team playing overseas annually. The NFL currently has nine international games scheduled for 2026. The league has also authorized as many as 10 international games per season beyond 2026. That approach could gradually make international football feel normal. Eventually, an overseas franchise could become the next logical step.
The Super Bowl Could Follow
Goodell also raised another intriguing possibility. An international franchise could help open the door for an overseas Super Bowl. However, that idea remains far from reality. The NFL has never played its championship game outside the United States. Goodell suggested that an international city would need an NFL team first. That requirement makes the franchise discussion even more significant. An international team could therefore create opportunities beyond the regular season. It could also strengthen the NFL’s business relationships around the world.
This Is a Major Change in Direction
The most important point involves what Goodell did not say. He did not say the NFL will never have an international team. Instead, he said the opposite. The commissioner now believes an overseas franchise will eventually happen. That does not mean the NFL will announce a new team soon. The league still faces major questions before taking that step. Ownership, stadiums, travel and scheduling all require careful planning. For now, the NFL will continue building its international audience. The 2026 season represents the biggest international schedule in league history. Still, Goodell’s latest comments make one thing clear. The idea of an international NFL team no longer sounds unrealistic. According to the commissioner, it sounds inevitable. That could make the next phase of the NFL’s global expansion even more interesting.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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