What's Happening?
The National Football League (NFL) has announced its plans to continue its tradition of hosting regular-season games in Munich, Germany, as part of its International Series. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the league will return to Munich for games in 2026 and 2028, under a multi-year partnership with the City of Munich and FC Bayern Munich. This follows previous games held at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena in 2022 and 2024. The NFL's expansion into Germany began in 2022, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the inaugural game. Subsequent games have included matchups in Frankfurt and Berlin, with the Indianapolis Colts recently securing a victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The NFL's International Series, which
started in England in 2007, has since expanded to include games in Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, and Spain.
Why It's Important?
The NFL's decision to continue hosting games in Munich underscores the league's commitment to expanding its global presence and fan base. By establishing a regular schedule of games in Germany, the NFL is tapping into a growing market for American football in Europe. This expansion not only increases the league's international visibility but also opens up new revenue streams through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights. For the cities involved, hosting NFL games can boost local economies through increased tourism and global exposure. The partnership with Munich and FC Bayern Munich highlights the strategic alliances the NFL is forming to solidify its international footprint.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, the NFL plans to further diversify its International Series by hosting games in new locations. In addition to the scheduled games in Munich, the league will hold two games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and a game in Rio De Janeiro at the Maracanã Stadium. Notably, Australia is set to host its first NFL regular-season game, with the Los Angeles Rams playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These developments suggest a continued focus on expanding the NFL's reach and engaging with international audiences, potentially leading to more countries being added to the International Series in the future.
