The NFL has been busy expanding international markets, following the massive success of playing in the UK since the 2008 season. Countries like Germany, Brazil, and Mexico have since been added to the league's growing international series markets.
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Now, the NFL has just announced the first-ever game in Australia will take place in the 2026 season.
According to an official release from the NFL:
"The National Football League today announced a multiyear commitment to play regular season games in Melbourne, Australia beginning in 2026 as the league continues to take international games to new markets around the world and grow the game year-round through global partners, programs and initiatives.
The NFL's first-ever regular season game in Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated team."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it a point to ensure the international markets for the league continue to expand operations and receive football games in new areas. Goodell had this to say about the NFL heading to Australia.
"Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint."
The opponents for the upcoming game have also been revealed. The Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles hold the marketing rights to Australia, and the Rams will be the first team to play in Australia. Per the release:
"The Rams, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, hold marketing rights in Australia as part of the league's Global Markets Program — an initiative that awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S., through fan engagement, events, and commercial opportunities. Since being awarded those rights, the Rams have expanded their presence in Australia through partnerships and key player initiatives.
The Rams' opponent, along with game date and kickoff time, will be announced at a later date."
What is interesting is the NFL is apparently going to add Australia as a new multi-year destination. Though it has yet to happen, there has been plenty of discussion regarding the league having an international team. That goal appears to be getting closer with the ever-expanding countries the NFL visits.
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