The NFL may soon see an increase in the number of its international regular season games. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank mentioned to NBC Sports that an “annual international game for every team” is likely on the horizon. This comment came during an interview at the Falcons’ training camp, following League Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement last fall about the league’s goal to have 16 international games annually.
Currently, the NFL is allowed to host up to 10 international games each year under the existing collective bargaining agreement, but it’s widely anticipated that this limit will rise to 16 in the next labor deal. With 32 teams in the league, organizing multiple international matchups each season is a significant task.
In May, the NFL revealed a record seven international games scheduled this year. This includes the Minnesota Vikings playing consecutive games in Europe, specifically in Ireland and the UK. One matchup yet to be announced is the Los Angeles Chargers’ week one game in Brazil.
The confirmed international schedule is as follows:
– Week 1 (Sept 5): TBD vs. Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil
– Week 4 (Sept 28): Vikings vs. Steelers at Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland
– Week 5 (Oct 5): Vikings vs. Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
– Week 6 (Oct 12): Broncos vs. Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England
– Week 7 (Oct 19): Rams vs. Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, London, England
– Week 10 (Nov 9): Falcons vs. Colts at Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany
– Week 11 (Nov 16): Commanders vs. Dolphins at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
Fan Take: This expansion of international games is a thrilling development for NFL fans worldwide, as it brings more games and teams to new audiences. It signals the league’s strong commitment to global growth, which could transform the NFL into a truly international sport in the near future.
