The NFL's international expansion plan is gaining momentum, with the league announcing its first games in Australia and Brazil this season. The Dallas Cowboys will play their inaugural game at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium, while the San Francisco 49ers are set to face off against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne.
In a significant move, the NFL has confirmed two of its most iconic franchises - the Cowboys and the 49ers - for international games this season. The league aims to establish itself as a truly global sport property, with nine international games scheduled across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums.
The NFL's bid to expand globally is evident in the growing popularity of American football worldwide. The league has seen significant growth in viewership in recent years, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. With its upcoming international schedule, the NFL aims to tap into this growing demand for sports content.
However, some players have expressed concerns about the impact of international games on their health and well-being. Jonathan Greenard, a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, mentioned that playing back-to-back international games was a challenge. The NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) has been working to improve player safety and welfare, particularly in regards to travel fatigue.
The league's long-term plan is to play 16 international games per season, with each team participating once. While this ambitious goal may be challenging to achieve, it highlights the NFL's commitment to establishing itself as a truly global sports organization.
In a significant move, the NFL has confirmed two of its most iconic franchises - the Cowboys and the 49ers - for international games this season. The league aims to establish itself as a truly global sport property, with nine international games scheduled across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums.
The NFL's bid to expand globally is evident in the growing popularity of American football worldwide. The league has seen significant growth in viewership in recent years, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. With its upcoming international schedule, the NFL aims to tap into this growing demand for sports content.
However, some players have expressed concerns about the impact of international games on their health and well-being. Jonathan Greenard, a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, mentioned that playing back-to-back international games was a challenge. The NFL Players' Association (NFLPA) has been working to improve player safety and welfare, particularly in regards to travel fatigue.
The league's long-term plan is to play 16 international games per season, with each team participating once. While this ambitious goal may be challenging to achieve, it highlights the NFL's commitment to establishing itself as a truly global sports organization.