NFL Targets Permanent International Franchises for Future Global Growth
New York, Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed foreign franchises are inevitable, revealing that establishing an overseas team is a required milestone before an international city can host the Super Bowl.
Strategic Expansion and 2026 Schedule
Commissioner Goodell’s comments were made during an interview with former NFL player Markus Kuhn for German broadcaster RTL/ntv, published on 18 August 2026 [1][3]. The league’s commitment to global growth is evidenced by the 2026 schedule, which features a record nine regular-season games played outside the United States [1][2]. These international contests are distributed across seven countries, including three games in England and single games in Australia, Brazil, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico [1][2]. This expansion represents a significant increase in logistical complexity, with games occurring across eight different time zones for the first time [2]. The NFL owners have approved a maximum of 10 international games per season for years following 2026, though Goodell has identified 16 games per season as a long-term goal [2]. London and Mexico City remain primary candidates for potential international franchises due to existing infrastructure and fan base history [2].
Historical Context and Logistical Challenges
The concept of international franchises is not new, as the NFL launched the International Series in 2007 with an initial goal of establishing a full-time franchise in London within 15 years [4]. Despite the fan base being present, logistics remain a significant hangup, causing the league to miss that original target [4]. Since the International Series began in 2007, the NFL has held 62 regular-season games outside the U.S. as of 2026 [2]. The league is actively returning to markets such as Mexico City, which hosts a game after a four-year absence, and Madrid, where the Cincinnati Bengals are scheduled to play the Atlanta Falcons at Bernabéu Stadium [2]. Additionally, the NFL’s Global Markets Program continues to grant marketing rights in Spain to teams like the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, and Miami Dolphins [2]. Goodell admitted uncertainty on the exact timing, stating, I just don’t know exactly when a team will be established [3].
Super Bowl Eligibility and Future Vision
Regarding the pinnacle event of the season, Goodell stipulated that an international city must first host an NFL franchise before it can host a Super Bowl [1][2]. He noted that there are definitely international cities that could host something like that, but the league would like to see an NFL team in such a city first [1][3]. This prerequisite ensures that the infrastructure and local support are sufficient for the magnitude of the Super Bowl [3]. The financial implications involve generating more revenue through merchandising, broadcasts, and advertising in these new regions [3]. While the 32 current teams are all based in the US, the strategic vision positions the multibillion-dollar sports media ecosystem across international markets [1]. The league feels the fan base is there, but operational logistics remain the primary barrier to permanent establishment [4].