NFL to double number of international games as Brazil added to 2024 schedule
NFL owners have voted to double the number of international games from four to eight beginning in the 2025 season. The league has also added a game in Sao Paulo, Brazil to its schedule in 2024 as it continues to focus on global growth.
Owners voted on the proposed changes at the December League Meeting in Dallas. The league has annually played games in London since 2007 and has also played games in Mexico, Canada and Germany.
NFL owners decided no team will be required to play more than one regular season game outside of North America in the same season unless they make a specific choice to do so, like the Jacksonville Jaguars did as they played back to back games in London earlier this season. Each team designated to play overseas will be able to select two regular season opponents that will not be eligible to be their international game, and games will not be scheduled after Week 14.
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“Becoming a global sport is a major strategic priority for the league and 32 teams," said Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner. “Increasing international game inventory allows us to grow our global presence and share our game with exciting new markets to connect with more fans around the world."
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“As a league, we welcome the update to this resolution that will ultimately see us play more games internationally than ever before, helping us to expand our global footprint and connect our teams and athletes with new audiences," said Joel Glazer, chairman of the NFL's International Committee and owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “International games have been a huge success, and we are excited for the opportunity to share the sport of American football with more fans from around the world in the future."
While the big changes in the number of games will come into play from 2025, next season sees the first ever regular season game to be held in South America. The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo will host the game while there will be three games in London and one in Munich, Germany.
“Bringing the NFL to new continents, countries and cities around the world is a critical element of our plan to continue to grow the game globally," said Goodell. “Brazil has established itself as a key market for the NFL, and we are excited to be playing in Brazil and São Paulo for the first time in 2024. We look forward to working with the city of São Paulo, SP Turis and Corinthians Arena to deliver a world-class game day experience for this passionate and growing fan base."
Ricardo Nunes, the mayor of São Paulo, joined Commissioner Goodell in Dallas for the announcement.
“The National Football League's decision to bring a regular season game to São Paulo is significant and exciting for the city, consolidating São Paulo and Brazil at the center of the global sporting stage," said Nunes. “Through our hard work, we will now be able to welcome the NFL to our city, hosting this historic game that will have a positive impact on tourism, employment and the city's economy."
Designated teams for the 2024 NFL International Games will be announced in early 2024. Details regarding the dates of games, matchups and kickoff times will be confirmed later in the year when the full 2024 schedule is announced.
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