The NFL has expanded its global presence more and more in recent years. In 2024, the NFL plans to have regular season games played in England, Germany, and Brazil.
Next season, the NFL could take it a step further. Where does the league want to go next? What kind of challenges are stopping the league from pulling the trigger on this idea? Read below to find out the answers to those questions and more.
NFL Considering International Series Game in Australia Next Season
![REPORT: NFL Considering International Series Game in New Country for 2025 Season 1 USATSI 19164190](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/USATSI_19164190-1024x823.jpg)
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the NFL is considering having a regular season game set in Australia during the 2025 season. This was confirmed by Peter O’Reilly, who is an NFL executive. Something worth noting for the seriousness of this rumor is that the NFL has set up an academy in Australia.
If the NFL moves forward with this, it would be the second new country the league will play in during the 2025 this season. It has already been announced that a regular season game will be played in Madrid, Spain next season.
History in Australia
![REPORT: NFL Considering International Series Game in New Country for 2025 Season 2 Justin Herbert Los Angeles Chargers](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/USATSI_22079046_168400517_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
This would not be the league’s first time going to Australia. However, it would be the first time the NFL had a regular season game set in the country. That is because the league did have a preseason game take place there in 1999. The Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers played in Sydney that season.
Logistical Challenges
![REPORT: NFL Considering International Series Game in New Country for 2025 Season 3 Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USATSI_22447279_168400517_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
Considering Australia is located on the opposite end of the world from the United States, it is safe to say there would be a number of logistical challenges to overcome for this game to take place. What are the biggest challenges to take note of?
Let’s start with the time zone. We can assume the game would likely be played in Sydney or Brisbane. Both of those cities are 14 hours ahead of the east coast and 17 hours ahead of the west coast in the United States.
On top of this, we need to consider the flight time between Australia and any part of the United States. In the best of circumstances, you are looking at a flight time of greater than 15 hours from Los Angeles to Sydney. If an east coast team is involved in this game, that team may not even be able to fly nonstop to Australia due to the distance.
Get More NFL Content
For more news and trends around the NFL, click here or follow me on Twitter @JohnGalletley.