NFL weighs challenges of overseas franchise, cites London and Mexico City
The league’s commissioner says an international team is inevitable, but logistical, scheduling and player-preference issues make it a complex prospect, with London and Mexico City emerging as the most viable locations.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told a German media outlet on Tuesday that he has “no doubt” the league will eventually field teams outside the United States. The organization has been expanding its global presence, scheduling a record nine international games this season, including first-time contests in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro and Paris.
Travel logistics are already demanding. Teams must secure passports and visas for all personnel, ship equipment and arrange meals well before a game is announced. For the Week 1 matchup in Melbourne, the San Francisco 49ers plan to arrive a week early to adjust to a 17-hour time difference, while the Los Angeles Rams intend a brief stay, illustrating varied approaches to mitigating jet lag and unfamiliar facilities.
Scheduling also requires care; the NFL avoids pairing teams that have just returned from overseas with Thursday-night games, instead granting a bye week or a full week’s rest. An overseas franchise would likely need a schedule that clusters home stands and road trips, possibly supported by a U.S.-based training site for off-season activities.
Player willingness is uncertain. An anonymous 2023 poll of NFL players conducted by The Athletic found that 55.4 % would not want to sign with a team based abroad, with only 34.9 % saying they would.
London remains the league’s most frequent overseas venue, hosting 42 games since 2007 and serving as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ de facto home since 2013. Goodell has said London could support two franchises, though competitive balance would be a key consideration. Mexico City, in the Central time zone, is the second-most-visited city, with a three-year agreement to host games beginning in 2026 after stadium renovations.
Other markets have seen limited success. Toronto’s NFL series ended after dwindling attendance, and a 2019 preseason game in Winnipeg was hampered by field-size constraints. The league continues to test new locations, with recent games in Brazil, Germany and upcoming fixtures in Munich or Berlin.
Logistical details from teams traveling abroad include chartering flights to London Stansted, booking five-star hotels that become temporary headquarters, and using practice facilities at local Premier League clubs. Sleep experts advise players on circadian-rhythm adjustments, and team chefs replicate familiar menus by importing condiments and drinks.
Comparisons with other North American leagues show similar challenges. The NHL deals with currency fluctuations and visa delays, while the Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors navigate cross-border customs and higher local taxes. These examples underscore the broader complexities an NFL franchise would face operating outside the United States.