NFL commissioner speaks out on possibility of league featuring foreign teams one day

Munich, Germany - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell believes that the league will feature teams from other countries one day.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he believes the NFL will feature teams from outside the US in the future.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he believes the NFL will feature teams from outside the US in the future.  © Chris Graythen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

"At some point there will be NFL teams outside the United States. I have no doubts this will happen one day. I just don't know exactly when," he told broadcaster RTL/ntv in an interview. 

"We talk a lot about it," he added.

The NFL currently features 32 teams, all based in the US. However, for years, the league and the franchises have been working to attract more international fans and therefore generate more revenue through merchandising, broadcasts, and advertising.

In 2026, the NFL will host a record of nine international games: three in London and one each in Munich, Spain, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Melbourne, and Mexico City. 

Goodell also can imagine the Super Bowl taking place abroad at some point.

"There are definitely international cities that could host an event like that. But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first," he said. 

London is considered the frontrunner, having hosted NFL games since 2007.

Cover photo: Chris Graythen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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