NFL Announces Record International Games for Global Expansion

News Summary

The NFL is making history with a record seven international games, including matchups in Ireland, Spain, and Brazil. Expect thrilling contests like the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first regular-season game in Ireland. This ambitious strategy aims to engage more international fans and broaden interest in American football. The league plans to increase international games from ten to potentially sixteen per year in the future. Tickets for these landmark games will be available in summer, appealing to a growing global audience.

New York City – The NFL is set to make history in 2025 with the announcement of a record seven international games, expanding its global reach to new locations including Ireland and Spain. This marks a significant advancement in the league’s ongoing commitment to engage with international fans and drive year-round interest in American football.

The upcoming international schedule includes exciting matchups in various cities across Europe and South America, underscoring the NFL’s ambition to broaden its international audience. Among the highlights, the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, a continuation of the NFL’s expansion into South America.

In Europe, the Pittsburgh Steelers will launch the league’s first regular-season game in Ireland, taking on the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin on September 28. Simultaneously, the Minnesota Vikings will also play in London, competing against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 5. This will mark the second consecutive international game for the Vikings.

London will host additional matchups as well, including a game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets on October 12 and a contest between the Los Angeles Rams and the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 19. The Indianapolis Colts will host the Atlanta Falcons at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, marking another milestone as the first NFL regular-season game in Germany on November 9. The 2025 schedule will wrap up with a historic game in Madrid, Spain, where the Washington Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins on November 16, marking the NFL’s first game ever played in Spain.

This enhanced international game schedule reflects the NFL’s intentions to increase its offering from ten international games per year to as many as 16 in future agreements, as indicated by league commissioner Roger Goodell. Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has suggested that the league might aim for an international game every year for each team soon.

The NFL’s international expansion strategy not only strengthens its existing fanbase but also aims to cultivate new interest in American football worldwide. Tickets for the 2025 International Games are expected to go on sale in the summer of that year. Fans interested in purchasing tickets can register for information through the NFL’s official website, ensuring they do not miss out on the chance to experience these landmark games.

The league’s moves to host these games in a variety of new locations exemplify its focus on engaging with fans around the globe. The inclusion of first-time locations such as Dublin, Berlin, and Madrid highlights the NFL’s proactive approach to expanding its footprint beyond the United States as it seeks to build a diverse and enthusiastic international following.

As the NFL prepares for a groundbreaking 2025 season, the significance of these developments in international markets will likely continue to resonate, setting the stage for a new era of American football on the world stage.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Sports: One International Game Every Year for Each NFL Team is on the Horizon
• NFL.com: 2025 International Games Announcement
• CBS Sports: Six International Games Revealed on 2025 NFL Schedule
• USA Today: NFL International Games – Five Things to Know
• Wikipedia: International Football