NFL’s Vision for Expansion: A Future with More Games
ORLANDO — The NFL is aiming for an ambitious future, one that would see each of its 32 teams participating in 18 regular season games along with one international matchup each year. It’s a gradual shift, and while players and their union will need to weigh in eventually, the groundwork for this expansion is slowly being laid.
This week, NFL owners took a significant step forward by approving an amendment that allows for an increase in international games each season from eight to ten. Alongside this, they also voted to eliminate a scheduling rule that permitted teams to opt out of two international games. For instance, this year, the 49ers originally wished to host the Raiders at their home stadium rather than in Mexico City.
Consequently, the Raiders will make their regular season debut in the Bay Area, while the 49ers will compete against the Vikings at Estadio Banorte.
At first glance, this might seem like a minor change. However, with nine international games planned for this year—two of which involve the Jaguars playing in London due to stadium renovations—this is more layered than merely adding a couple more games. It sets the stage for the NFL’s broader goals of international expansion.
Indeed, the league hopes to not only relocate teams or establish new franchises overseas but also aims for a consistent international presence—ideally, one game abroad every week.
And, of course, the driving force here? It’s about finances. As player salaries rise and operational costs increase, the league’s ambitions mean they’ll need new stadiums and entertainment complexes, which all come with hefty price tags.
Generating new revenue streams while enhancing existing ones is crucial to managing these escalating expenses and ensuring the NFL remains profitable.
This ambition is reflected in the league’s recent scheduling choices, such as introducing games on Black Friday, Thanksgiving Eve, and a more robust lineup for Christmas Day.
On a related note, the NFL is also expanding its streaming partnerships. For example, Amazon Prime holds the rights to the complete “Thursday Night Football” schedule, and Netflix will stream select games this season.
The international market is still ripe for exploration. It’s a chance to secure lucrative television rights, sponsorships, and to engage millions of new fans. And it’s not just about Europe anymore; there are promising opportunities in places like Australia, where the season will kick off with a game between the Rams and 49ers, marking the first regular season matches in that region.
Moreover, the Saints will host the Steelers in Paris, and leagues will have a renewed focus in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and Mexico City.
As Peter O’Reilly, NFL vice president of club business and league events, noted, “Our strategy is not one-and-done; our goal is to return to the markets where we’re establishing ourselves.”
And it’s clear that they are looking beyond the immediate scope. O’Reilly mentioned that parts of Asia, particularly Japan, are being eyed as potential future markets.
To achieve the goal of every team playing one international game per season, the plan would require adjusting the regular season from 17 to 18 games. However, this vision hinges on the backing of the NFL Players Association, which has been hesitant about such changes in the past. But then again, negotiations are a part of the process.
