Reasons for NFL Games Being Played Outside of the USA
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 08 March 2024
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
NFL Games Being Played Outside of the USA
The NFL’s decision to play games in Europe, Central America, and other foreign countries represents a strategic move to globalize American football.
International games not only expose large new markets to the excitement of NFL action, it also enhances the league’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the expansion of its talent pool. It’s why we’re seeing the NFL in other countries.
It may be annoying to tune in for an NFL game that starts at an odd time because it’s taking place in London, in the shadows of “Big Ben.” But, for many NFL fans outside of the U.S., and some inside the States, the NFL in other countries makes it more thrilling to use NFL online sportsbooks.
As the NFL continues to explore opportunities in different parts of the world, the impact of international ventures goes beyond the gridiron. It shapes the future of American football on a global scale. Decades from now, teams located in other countries may be hoisting a Super Bowl trophy as champions of “America’s Game.”
NFL International Series
The NFL’s International Series is comprised of three sub-series:
Why is the NFL playing in London?
- NFL London Games, which take place in the United Kingdom. This series began in 2007 with one game. Through 2023, there have been 36 regular season NFL games played in the UK.
- NFL Mexico Games, dating back to 2016. So far, five games have been played in Mexico City, at Estadio Azteca. Many of these games involve a team from California or the west coast, because many NFL fans in Mexico have an affinity for those teams.
- Why is the NFL playing in Germany? It’s the NFL Germany Games, established in 2022. There have been three games in that country to date, involving six different teams.
NFL Games in Europe and Central America
The NFL has expanded its reach beyond the borders of the United States in recent years, venturing into international markets to showcase American football on a global stage. While the majority of NFL games are played in the United States, the league is making strategic efforts to promote the sport internationally. That strategy is to host regular season NFL games in Europe, Central America, and other foreign countries.
Why is the NFL playing in Europe?
One of the key initiatives in the NFL’s international expansion is the series of regular-season games held in London. Since 2007, London has become a second home for the NFL, hosting multiple games each season at iconic venues, including Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
That first game, a 13-10 snoozer between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins on October 28, 2007 had some hiccups. Most notably, the field at Wembley was hardly suitable for football. That fact, which caused his players to slip and slide and fall way too often, wasn’t lost on Giants coach Tom Coughlin.
“I’ll be glad to give my opinion to the commissioner with the issues that came up,” Coughlin grumbled after his team earned the win in the historic game.
The NFL games in London have been met with enthusiasm from fans in the UK and Europe. The games attract a diverse crowd, including passionate local fans and NFL enthusiasts from various European countries. You may be surprised at how many American citizens or expatriates live in the UK and mainland Europe. Their love of the NFL is something that may never disappear, no matter where they live in the world.
The NFL’s commitment to staging regular-season games abroad demonstrates a strategic effort to capitalize on the international appeal of American football.
In addition to London, the NFL has explored other international markets for regular season games. Mexico City has been a notable destination for NFL contests. The Estadio Azteca, one of the most iconic stadiums in Mexico, has hosted several NFL games, drawing sizable crowds and showcasing the sport’s popularity in the region. The games in Mexico provide a unique opportunity to connect with fans in Central America and contribute to the league’s global brand recognition.
In 2016, the Raiders rallied late in a Monday Night Football game that was played in Mexico City at Estadio Azteca. The fourth quarter was thrilling, and had many involved wishing for a return to the city.
“I’d love to come back and play here,” said Raiders quarterback Derek Carr following the 27-20 win by Oakland over the Houston Texans.
In 2022, the NFL first played games in Germany, which has a sizable audience of football fans. The experience was a success, and the league elected to go back for the 2023 season for a pair of games in Frankfurt. Another American pro game will be played in Germany in 2024, in Munich, when the Carolina Panthers will be designated the home team. Indeed, the NFL is in Germany.
“We have every intention to continue to play here,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said prior to the 2023 season. “[Germany has] been an incredible part of our growth, [and a] part of our history of growing our game globally. We’re going to continue to play here in some fashion.”
Indeed, Goodell later announced that the NFL will play one game in Germany in the 2024 season, and one more in the 2025 season. Possible German destinations are once again Munich and Frankfurt.
Cities around the world have shown a keen interest in welcoming the NFL. In 2021, eight German cities applied to host a regular season game. There have even been rumors that Ireland and Italy would like to host an NFL game in the future.
Inclusivity drives desire for international NFL games
The decision to play games in international locations is not only driven by a desire to expand the NFL’s global footprint but also by a commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive fanbase. The NFL is in Europe to bring the excitement of live NFL action to different parts of the world, the league aims to create lasting connections with fans who may not have the opportunity to attend games in the United States. This inclusivity is reflected in the international crowds that gather to witness the games, fostering a sense of unity and shared enthusiasm for American football.
New talent can be found overseas
International NFL games contribute to the league’s efforts to attract new talent from around the world. As American football gains popularity in non-traditional markets, more athletes from diverse backgrounds are expressing interest in playing the sport professionally. The NFL’s global games serve as a platform to showcase the sport’s appeal and talent pool, potentially paving the way for an even more international presence in terms of players and teams.
While the international games have been largely successful, they also present logistical challenges, including travel, time zone differences, and stadium preparations. However, the league has worked diligently to address these issues, ensuring that the international games provide a positive experience for both players and fans.
New fans, more money for the NFL
The London games, as well as NFL games in Mexico City and Germany, serve multiple purposes, including exposing a new audience to American football, engaging with existing fans, and broadening the NFL’s global fanbase.
As European soccer continues to gain a foothold in the United States market (witness the increased popularity of the World Cup in America in recent years), the NFL has taken notice. It’s one thing to be the big boy in your own backyard, it’s another to be the big boy on the entire block. The NFL wants to compete directly with the global branding strategies of the Premier League, as well as international basketball, and even the Olympics for fans around the world.
Why is it important for the NFL to expand into new markets outside the borders of the continental U.S.? The prime reason is to ensure a profitable and successful future for the league. The Internet has radically changed media and how it covers sports and popular culture. The world is shrinking as a result. A young person in Turkey can become a fan of Patrick Mahomes as easily as a youngster who lives in Mississippi.
