A new NFL team might be established soon.
If commissioner Roger Goodell realizes a professional aspiration, the team will be located outside the United States.
The Super Bowl might take place outside of the USA.
The Super Bowl might take place outside the USA. Credit: Getty
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“Goodell stated on Monday at the Superdome in New Orleans, ‘We are determined to become a global sport.'”
As the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles get ready for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Goodell addressed various topics during his yearly press conference.
The commissioner opposing the Chiefs ‘bias’ garnered the most focus.
“That’s an absurd theory — for anyone who could possibly believe it,” Goodell stated.
However, Goodell also generated headlines by emphasizing the potential for NFL to expand internationally.
“I believe there is a chance that one day we could establish an international franchise,” he stated.
“If we do, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Super Bowl takes place there.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars were previously viewed as the main choice for moving a team internationally if the NFL decided to relocate a franchise beyond the USA.
The likelihood decreased significantly with the proposed $1.4 billion renovations for the stadium in Jacksonville.
Goodell did not provide details on Monday.
It was uncertain whether a franchise would move or if the NFL would introduce a 33rd — and possibly a 34th — team.
However, the commissioner hinted at the potential sale of new international media rights and expressed his willingness to consider up to 16 international games per season.
London features three international NFL games annually at Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadiums.
Brazil, Germany, Spain, and Mexico have all gained international attention in recent years, and Australia is also gaining recognition.
However, incorporating an international franchise would represent a significant advancement for the NFL, which earned $20 billion in revenue in 2023.
“It’s wonderful for the New Orleans Saints to host the Super Bowl and capture the world’s focus,” Goodell stated.
“I believe the same would apply if we established an international franchise to host the Super Bowl there, to back that franchise.”
The NFL initiated the International Series in 2007, featuring a game between the New York Giants and the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium.
Between 2007 and 2012, Wembley held one NFL regular-season game annually.
In 2012, the Jaguars consented to host one home game at Wembley Stadium annually from 2013 to 2016.
In 2016, the International Series grew with the league’s comeback to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
In 2019, the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders faced off in the inaugural game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The NFL might still be several years from having a team permanently located outside the US.
However, Goodell is evidently envisioning an international future for American football.