NFL announces global marketing effort allowing 21 teams to grow fan bases across the world
The NFL is helping 21 of its franchises expand their brands globally this year. The league announced an expansion of the Global Markets Program, which helps clubs connect with international fan bases and establish their brand outside of the U.S.
Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys have been assigned international markets, like Mexico for the Cowboys, to officially cement support for the team internationally.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, the first team to play two international games in one season in 2023, received the U.K. and Ireland as their long-term strategic markets. It makes sense given the rumors that the NFL could expand the league’s divisions overseas, potentially starting with the Jaguars in London.
Like the Jaguars, the Steelers also pulled the U.K. and Ireland as their expanded global markets, as well as Mexico.
The NFL announced the full slate of 2023 international games two weeks ago. This year’s international schedule features five games, including three that will feature five different teams playing in London and two games between four other teams in Germany.
Although the NFL also occasionally plays in Mexico, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which houses those games, is currently undergoing renovations.
Nine teams slated for NFL international games in 2023
The international slate features nine of the NFL’s 32 teams. It is nine teams, not 10, because the Jacksonville Jaguars will play two weeks in a row in London.
The Jaguars play the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium in Week 4, in what will be their landmark 10th regular season home game in London. Then, they take on the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. That game will be at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The following Sunday, October 15, the Tennessee Titans will play the Baltimore Ravens, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Super Bowl LVII Champion Kansas City Chiefs kick off the Germany leg of the international slate on November 5. They take on the Miami Dolphins at Frankfurt Stadium.
The following weekend, on November 12, the New England Patriots face the Indianapolis Colts, also at Frankfurt Stadium.
| Date | Matchup | Broadcast | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1 (Week 4) | Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | ESPN+ | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Oct. 8 (Week 5) | Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills | NFL Network | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Oct. 15 (Week 6) | Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans | NFL Network | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Nov. 5 (Week 9) | Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs | NFL Network | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| Nov. 13 (Week 10) | Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots | NFL Network | 9:30 a.m. ET |