NFL Expands International Game Schedule

On Tuesday, the NFL approved an increase in the number of international games outside the United States starting in 2027, allowing for up to 10 games instead of the previous limit of eight.

Peter O’Reilly, the league’s executive vice president for club business, international, and league events, mentioned during the NFL’s spring league meetings that “there is a path to 10” international games in 2027. The announcement came alongside some significant changes regarding home games.

The league decided to eliminate the previous rule that let franchises block their home games from being played internationally. Previously, teams could protect two games from being moved outside the country.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, there will be nine international games scheduled. Eight of these will be organized by the league, with one game set to take place at Wembley Stadium in London in collaboration with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The ninth game is subject to NFLPA approval as per the collective bargaining agreement. Following the recent vote, the NFL’s capacity to host 10 games internationally is now established, pending the NFLPA’s endorsement for the London match.

Next season will see matches in cities such as Paris, Mexico City, Munich, Rio de Janeiro, Madrid, Melbourne, and London, with the NFL actively scouting potential venues for future games.

O’Reilly noted that there are complexities in considering Asian markets like Japan due to travel logistics but emphasized their potential importance to the league.

As the NFL’s international footprint grows, there are speculations about the possibility of hosting the Super Bowl outside the U.S. O’Reilly remarked that it’s “not a front-line issue” at the moment.

However, some NFL officials are optimistic, suggesting that the league could potentially host one international game each week during the regular season. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell indicated the league’s aspiration to hold a total of 16 games overseas.