GOODELL SAYS NFL WILL EVENTUALLY ADD TEAM OUTSIDE USA

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated that the league will establish a team outside the United States at some point in the future. Speaking to German broadcaster RTL/ntv, Goodell said: "At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day." He added that international cities could eventually host a Super Bowl, though he indicated the league would prefer to see an established NFL team in such a location first.

The 2026 season will see nine games played across multiple countries, including matches in Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and London, with the latter hosting three games. The NFL began playing games in London in 2007, and the league has since held 42 matches in the country. The Jacksonville Jaguars have established a particular presence in London, having played international games there for roughly a decade. According to official figures, this sustained schedule has contributed to growing NFL popularity in the UK.

Henry Hodgson, NFL UK General Manager, told Sky Sports that the commissioner's objective is to eventually schedule 16 international games in the event of an 18-game season. Hodgson stated that the UK would maintain its current number of games under such an expansion. He characterised the initiative as part of the league's broader ambition to expand its global presence. According to reports, fans may need to wait at least a decade before such an expansion materialises.