Hold up. Roger Goodell, the Commissioner himself, just dropped a bombshell that changes how we think about the NFL’s entire future. It’s not a question of *if* the league expands internationally anymore, but *when* it’s going down. Goodell laid it out in a recent interview with RTL/ntv in Germany, saying flat-out, “At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day.”
“Teams”?! The NFL Is Plotting Something Way Bigger
But hold on, it gets even crazier. Did you catch that? Goodell said “teams,” plural! Not just one token international squad, but potentially *multiple* franchises outside the USA. This isn’t some random thought he had either. Goodell was already talking way back in 2022 about how putting an entire division over in Europe makes more sense than having a lone wolf team out there. He literally laid it out, saying, “We’re trying to sort of see, could you have multiple locations in Europe where you could have an NFL franchise, because it would be easier as a division.” Think about that for a second. An entire overseas division! The travel, the logistics, the fan bases, the time zones, it’s a massive undertaking, but the league is clearly mapping out this ambitious long-term goal. This isn’t just about playing a few games abroad anymore; it’s about fundamentally reshaping the league.
The Mid-2030s Call and London’s Clear Shot
Now, don’t go packing your bags for an international road trip to catch a game next year. Goodell also gave us a dose of reality: this isn’t happening tomorrow. When grilled in April 2024 about a possible timeline, he was crystal clear, stating that a franchise or even a full division is “beyond 10 years” away. So, we’re talking mid-2030s at the absolute earliest for any international team to hit the field. That’s a decent wait, but it also gives the league plenty of runway to iron out all the incredible details.
Where are they looking, you ask? Goodell says the NFL has been paying close attention to how international cities are responding to hosting games, and he believes “There are markets that could certainly support a team.” The top contender? London, hands down. The English capital hosted the first-ever regular-season European game in 2007 and has been a staple ever since, hosting at least one game every season except the COVID-impacted 2020. London is even set to host three games in 2026, solidifying its position. Goodell isn’t shy about London’s potential, stating in 2022 that “There’s no question that London could support, not just one franchise, I think two franchises. I really believe that” from a fan, commercial, and media standpoint. It sounds like London is practically begging for a permanent team, or two!
So, while we’re not packing our bags for an international road trip to see our favorite team anytime soon, the seeds are planted. The NFL is going global, and it’s not just a pipe dream anymore. We’re looking at a future where Sunday football might mean waking up for a London kickoff or staying up late for a game from a whole new continent. Get ready, because the league as we know it is about to get a whole lot bigger!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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