The NFL is set to bring its games to Australia, with Melbourne confirmed as the host city for a series of international matchups. The first in-season game will take place at the iconic MCG in October 2026.
The NFL is set to take its games Down Under, with Melbourne reportedly confirmed as the host city for a series of international matchups. News Corp reports that the Victorian government has secured a multi-year agreement with the NFL following months of discreet negotiations. The inaugural in-season game is scheduled for October 2026 at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground ( MCG ), just weeks after the AFL grand final. Subsequent games are also planned for the iconic venue in the coming years.
The Los Angeles Rams are slated to be the 'home' team for the inaugural match, likely facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles, who are set to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in next week's Super Bowl. Australian-born star Jordan Mailata, a key player for the Eagles, would undoubtedly be a major drawcard for the game. The NFL has been progressively expanding its global reach in recent years. The 2024 season saw three games played in London, one in Brazil, and one in Germany, showcasing the league's commitment to taking the sport worldwide. Next season's schedule features a historic match at Real Madrid's legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain for the first time. In December 2023, NFL owners voted to authorize the league to host a maximum of eight international games each season, further solidifying the league's commitment to international expansion. League officials confirmed they would be evaluating Australia as a potential host city during discussions on future international opportunities last year. 'Australia is among a set, and it’s not a small set of markets, that we’re looking at,' said Peter O'Reilly, NFL's head of international affairs. O'Reilly highlighted Australia's strong NFL fanbase, media partnerships, and the fact that both the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams hold global market rights in the country. League officials conducted site visits last year, assessing fan support, stadium suitability, and logistical considerations for teams before a game. O'Reilly emphasized that these factors are crucial in selecting a host city. 'When you start to talk about Asia, Pacific and Australia, you talk about distance and logistics and the football component of that,' he stated. 'So those factors are real. 'But our role is to really look at the globe, look at where the fan base is strong and do the diligence, make the evaluations.' The NFL's presence in Australia has already grown, with an official academy opening last September on the Gold Coast
NFL International Games Australia Melbourne MCG Los Angeles Rams Philadelphia Eagles Jordan Mailata
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