NFL's Global Ambitions: Melbourne to Host First Regular-Season Match
The NFL is set to host nine international matches in 2026, including its first regular-season game in Melbourne, as part of its ambitious global expansion plans. The league's massive popularity is reflected in its revenue and TV ratings, with 83 of the 100 most-watched shows in America in 2025 being NFL games.
As Melbourne prepares to host its first NFL regular-season match, the league's ambitious global expansion plans have been laid bare. In 2026, the NFL will host nine international matches across four continents, in markets including Brazil, Germany, France, the UK, and Australia.
American football is deeply ingrained in US culture, with the NFL dominating living rooms on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. The league's massive popularity is reflected in its revenue, which exceeded $US23 billion ($31.95 billion) in the last year, almost 26 times what the AFL reported in the same period.
The NFL's cultural dominance is evident in its TV ratings. Of the 100 most-watched shows in America in 2025, 95 were sporting events and 83 were NFL games, according to Nielsen ratings. The Super Bowl is invariably the most-watched event of the year in the United States, with 19 of the top 20 most-watched broadcasts in American TV history being Super Bowl matches.
The NFL's global expansion plans are well underway, with 62 regular-season games played outside the US. London has hosted the most matches, with 42 games taking place at Wembley, Twickenham, or Tottenham Hotspur stadiums. Mexico City hosted its first regular-season match in 2005, and will host another in November.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent Sr said, "the NFL is committed to expanding NFL action to international fans in their home countries" and is doing so more than ever this season. Rio de Janeiro will host a match for the first time at the historic Maracanã, while other matches will take place in Munich, Madrid, and Mexico City.
However, some resistance is building. The NFL confirmed it will play 10 games overseas in 2027, but commissioner Roger Goodell said his goal was to play as many as 16 games overseas. This could see every team play at least one overseas game, an important point for competitive balance.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration with the team's schedule, which includes two international trips. "That was our goal, to go 19 hours away to play a game," he said, "We'll deal with it."