NFL executive entertains idea of hosting Super Bowl abroad, citing league's global expansion
The NFL's Global Domination
The NFL's dominance knows no bounds, as it prepares to set foot in five foreign countries, including England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and Australia. This globe-trotting adventure marks a historical milestone for the league, with the first regular-season games scheduled to take place in Mexico, Australia, and who knows where next?
The league's mighty reach no longer stops at the United States border. Australian fans can look forward to their first regular-season games starting in 2026. While England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Brazil are already set to host matches in 2025. The NFL's vast expansion continues to captivate the world, leaving many wondering which country will be next on the hit list.
With the league's sights set on taking over more markets, one might start to wonder if the NFL Draft, the pinnacle of draft events, could eventually make its grand entrance outside of the U.S. Or perhaps the world's biggest sporting event, the Super Bowl, could go global. What was once an unimaginable thought, is now veering closer to reality.
The NFL's international aspirations are seemingly endless. France, Japan, and the Middle East have all been suggested as potential hosts, casting a wide net for the league's ever-growing reach. Australia, expected to join the league in 2026, is just the beginning.
The league's UK general manager, Henry Hodgson, spoke to talkSPORT's Hawksbee & Jacobs afternoon show, revealing, "Hence the decision to play a first game in Dublin this year...I think it's mostly about how do we spread across the globe and do more, in more places."
While the NFL's global domination continues, one can't help but wonder if London will be the epicenter of the anticipated Super Bowl, given its popularity around the globe. As Heny Hodgson noted, "London is absolutely capable of hosting an event like that."
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off in Philadelphia, with the defending Super Bowl champions Eagles hosting the Dallas Cowboys, we eagerly await the day when the Super Bowl comes to London, or any other popular global city, guaranteeing a truly unforgettable spectacle.
[1] NFL, "Super Bowl LVI to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Los Angeles Rams announced as host team," December 15, 2016, https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-lvi-to-be-played-at-sofi-stadium-in-inglewood-california-los-angeles-rams-announced-as-host-team-1[2] NFL, "NFL Draft 2023: Cincinnati selected as host city for annual event," February 23, 2022, https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-draft-2023-cincinnati-selected-as-host-city-for-annual-event-0ap4000001142437[3] NFL, "Super Bowl LVII on track in Arizona after MoU signed by city," September 17, 2021, https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-lvi-on-track-in-arizona-after-mou-signed-by-glendale-council
[1] The NFL's global expansion plan might extend beyond sports like MMA and American football, with the NFL Draft and Super Bowl potentially making their way into other international cities.
[2] As the NFL makes inroads in various countries, it would be fascinating to see if the league's manager, coordinating the international expansion, would consider hosting the NFL Draft in places like London or Madrid.
[3] The NFL's domination, evident in the upcoming international games and the potential inclusion of countries like France and Japan, could pave the way for the Super Bowl to become a global event, forever altering the landscape of American football.
