NFL considering playing a Super Bowl in London
As the NFL considers expansion into more international markets, the league is also reportedly contemplating hosting a Super Bowl abroad. It’s an intriguing idea but that’s likely all it is at this point.
“As the NFL prepares for its third straight Sunday in London, the league already has discussed the idea of one day playing a Super Bowl in the British capital, according to commissioner Roger Goodell,” NFL insider Adam Schefter shared on Sunday.
This year’s NFL international slate features just two more matchups but the first three were in London, held in Wembley Stadium and 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.
NFL considering more international expansion
The success of the NFL in countries outside of North America has the league considering more locations to expand the game’s fanbase. On top of the games in the U.K., Germany, and Mexico, Roger Goodell revealed that the NFL could begin playing games in other countries by 2024.
“We actually have three or four markets that are here this weekend and next weekend that are interested in hosting a game,” Goodell said in London, via the AP.
The NFL declined to expand on Goodell’s comments but the commissioner said the new location could come “as early as next year.”
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly revealed to ESPN insider Adam Schefter last month that Brazil and Spain could be the league’s next international markets.
“That’s the diligence that we do constantly,” O’Reilly told Schefter possible games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. “What is the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What does the support look like?
“So we’re not there yet in terms of timing on that. But you’re right, we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there.”
“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” O’Reilly added. “And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in. … Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important. It needs to work for the clubs as well.”
The NFL has also tested the waters of a potential expansion into Australia where the sport is already popular.