NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell flat out said he has “no doubt” that the league will get a team headquartered outside the United States. He wasn’t just talking hypotheticals either. Goodell appeared on Prime Video’s pregame show before the Lions-Bills game on Thursday night, and he gave us some serious insight into where and when this massive shift is going down.
Why Europe Is the Only Real Option for the NFL’s Next Move
When asked how soon we’d see an international team and exactly where it would be, Goodell admitted it’s “tough to say” on the timeline. But he made it crystal clear on the location: Europe is the “most likely” destination. Why? He laid it out: the NFL has been playing games there for a long time, so there’s a history and an established fanbase. Plus, he noted that the scheduling for Europe is going to be a lot easier than other places. Think about it: flying teams to Australia? That’s a logistical nightmare just waiting to happen, something Goodell himself hinted would “create a few complications.” Europe makes too much sense, right? The league wants to grow, and the reaction they’ve been getting from fans across the pond proves the support is definitely there.
A Single Team? Goodell’s Talking Way Bigger
Here’s where it gets truly wild. Goodell isn’t just thinking about *one* international team. He straight up believes the league “could have more than one team” outside the US. This isn’t just speculation; it feels like a planned chess move. If the first team lands in London, which has two NFL-ready stadiums, it makes total sense to launch with two teams there. And we’ve heard this before: Goodell has actually hinted at a full-blown four-team European division in the past. Imagine that! The “best long-term vision” for the league, according to the Commissioner, could be four teams in Europe, plus another four elsewhere, hitting spots like Brazil, Mexico, Australia, and Japan. This isn’t just about expansion; it’s about the NFL becoming a truly global sport.
So, what’s next? Goodell has shown his hand. The question isn’t *if* the NFL goes international, but *when* and exactly *how big* this global takeover will be. Keep your eyes peeled, because the next big announcement about the future of football could be dropping anytime, and it won’t be from an American city.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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