The NFL has made global brand growth a key priority, scheduling regular-season games in multiple countries since 2005.

The league's first regular-season contest outside North America took place on October 2, 2005, with the Arizona Cardinals defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-14 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.[1][2]

In 2007, the NFL launched its International Series with the New York Giants beating the Miami Dolphins 13-10 at Wembley Stadium in London on October 28.[1][2]

International games have increased in frequency. The league hosted five in 2023 across three European venues and Toronto, and scheduled at least five for 2024, including the first in South America: Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers on September 6 at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo, Brazil.[3][4]

Plans call for up to eight or more international games annually in the coming years, with sites including London, Germany and Spain.[5]

Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman questioned on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich" whether the Super Bowl could shift overseas amid this expansion.

Sports agent Leigh Steinberg rejected the notion. "The Super Bowl has become a convention of Americana," he told Fox News Digital. "So, it’s not just an entertainment event – it’s a cultural event. Big business, big politics, big entertainment and big sports, along with fans, all coalesce in the city. To take that overseas, I think would be difficult."

Steinberg said NFL teams have mixed views on international travel. Players appreciate new cultures but suffer from long flights, such as 11-14 hours between the U.S. West Coast and London. Coaches object to routine disruptions.

Steinberg urged further study of jet lag and travel's impact on player performance.

Sources

1. NFL.com, International Games, Accessed October 2024, https://www.nfl.com/international/games/
2. ESPN.com, A history of NFL London games: Dates, results, teams, Accessed October 2024, https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37905785/nfl-london-games-history-results-wembley-tottenham
3. NFL.com, NFL announces first-ever regular season game in Brazil, February 28, 2024, https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-first-ever-regular-season-game-in-brazil
4. NFL.com, 2024 NFL international games: Full slate of locations, dates, February 29, 2024, https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-international-games-full-slate-of-locations-dates
5. NFL.com, NFL International Series Fast Facts, Accessed October 2024, https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-international-series-fast-facts-0ap3000000823456