NFL reportedly considering Brazil, Spain for potential international games
The NFL‘s success overseas has spurred an increase in its investment in international markets in recent years. That push has the NFL considering a potential expansion into two more countries, on top of the games in the U.K., Germany, and Mexico.
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly revealed to ESPN insider Adam Schefter 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.
2023 NFL International Schedule
This year’s international schedule begins in Week 4 with the first of five games. The slate includes three games 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.
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
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