The NFL has been one of the biggest brands not only in sports, but in the world. They have done an outstanding job of entering new markets around the world and playing games in new locations. According to the New York Times, there has been discussions about several new places that the league wants to play.
In the report, they mention that the NFL is “conducting due diligence on those locations, some of which already host games.” Below are locations that the league has started looking at.
- Australia
- Brazil
- Britain
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Middle East (likely Abu Dhabi)
The thought process of the league is that more international games will increase interest in the overseas market and with media rights in other sports looking a bit uncertain, they could use this as a chance to expand their wealth.
The NFL will have held games in Mexico City, London, Germany, Brazil and Spain by the end of 2025 season before adding any more international games.
What is the most likely location for an NFL International Game?
![REPORT: NFL Looking to Expand International Games Locations, Where They Want to Head Next in 2025 1 NFL games in Europe](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_21883268-scaled.jpg)
We have seen a few different places host some football and will see some new locations this season, including in Brazil in the opening week of the season. However, two places that never have been chosen seem to be the most probable international game locations.
One place is Australia. NFL Head of International Affairs Peter O’Reilly mentioned that it was under consideration and could be happening in 2025. CBS Sports’ John Breech noted that the league would have to figure out the traveling situation for both teams, but with the 14-hour time difference between Melbourne/Sydney to ET, this would likely have to be a Week 1 standalone game.
Another place that seemingly is increasing within the NFL International Games would be the Middle East. The NBA has hosted a pre-season game in Abu Dhabi and similarly to how they can do so with an early-season game, this would make sense. With the money involved in the Middle East and the perception of doing business in that sector of the world, it makes sense for the NFL to head that way.