Holding a Super Bowl outside the United States is a possibility, according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who made this announcement on Saturday. This statement marks a significant shift in the league’s approach to international expansion.
Though Goodell has previously dismissed this idea, he acknowledged during a fan forum in London that hosting the championship game abroad could become a reality.
He explained, “Traditionally, we have aimed to host the Super Bowl in an NFL city as a reward for those locations with franchises. However, circumstances evolve, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that happens one day.”
Goodell’s comments came as he discussed a broader plan that could see the NFL hosting up to 16 international games annually if the regular season expands to 18 games.
He expressed confidence that Ireland would soon host a game and mentioned Rio de Janeiro as a potential new venue, while also indicating that the Jacksonville Jaguars might increase their presence in London during their home stadium renovations.
The upcoming Super Bowl, the 59th edition, is set to take place in New Orleans. Future locations include Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in 2026, followed by SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in 2027. The last Super Bowl, featuring Kansas City’s thrilling 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco, became the most-watched program in U.S. television history.
Currently, NFL team owners have approved up to eight international games, but Goodell suggested that this number could potentially double, allowing all 32 teams to participate in international matches each year.
The expansion hinges on increasing the regular season by one game while reducing preseason games to two.
“If we expand our regular season to an 18-and-two format, I envision 16 of those games taking place in international markets,” Goodell stated.
He also noted that the schedule could include a second bye week, contingent on the league’s ability to maintain player safety and adjust offseason and training camp practices.
Goodell mentioned that under this new structure, the season would commence around Labor Day and conclude around Presidents Day in February.
The transition to an 18-game season appears inevitable, with the players’ union showing openness to negotiations before the current labor agreement concludes after the 2030 season.
This season features five international games, and Goodell emphasized the league’s ambition to swiftly expand that number to eight.
Dublin is viewed as a likely future host, especially after Madrid is set to host its inaugural game in 2025.
“I have no doubt that we’re going to be playing in Ireland. I can’t say if it will be next year, but it’s on the horizon,” Goodell stated at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He also identified Rio de Janeiro as a potential future site for NFL games in Brazil, following Sao Paulo’s hosting earlier this season.
London, which has been hosting regular-season games since 2007, could also see night games in the future, while Germany has hosted matches since 2022.
Kickoff update
Goodell anticipates some adjustments to the new kickoff rules during the offseason but believes they are largely effective.
He noted that these new rules have revitalized kickoffs, with early injury data showing promising trends.
Currently, over 30% of kickoffs have been returned this season, a notable increase from 20% last season.
Kickoff drives are starting around the 29-yard line, compared to just past the 24 previously.
Goodell expressed enthusiasm for the new system, emphasizing that a small opening can lead to significant returns. He highlighted that the league already matched last season’s total of long kickoff returns by Week 6 of this season.
