Roger Goodell says new international location could be added by 2024

The success of the NFL in countries outside of North America has the league considering more locations to expand the game’s fanbase. On top of the games in the U.K., Germany, and Mexico, Roger Goodell revealed that the NFL could begin playing games in other countries by 2024.

“We actually have three or four markets that are here this weekend and next weekend that are interested in hosting a game,” Goodell said in London, via the AP.

The NFL declined to expand on Goodell’s comments but the commissioner said the new location could come “as early as next year.”

NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly revealed to ESPN insider Adam Schefter last month that Brazil and Spain could be the league’s next international markets.

“That’s the diligence that we do constantly,” O’Reilly told Schefter possible games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. “What is the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What does the support look like?

“So we’re not there yet in terms of timing on that. But you’re right, we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there.”

“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” O’Reilly added. “And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in. … Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important. It needs to work for the clubs as well.”

The NFL has also tested the waters of a potential expansion into Australia where the sport is already popular.

2023 NFL International Schedule

This year’s international schedule began in Week 4 with the first of five games. The slate includes three games that feature five different teams playing in London and two games between four other teams in Germany.

Although the NFL also occasionally plays in Mexico, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which houses those games, is currently undergoing renovations.

The international slate features nine of the NFL’s 32 teams. It is nine teams, not 10, because the Jacksonville Jaguars play two weeks in a row in London.

The Jaguars played the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium in Week 4, in their landmark 10th regular season home game in London. Then, they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 5 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The following Sunday, October 15, the Tennessee Titans will play the Baltimore Ravens, also at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Super Bowl LVII Champion Kansas City Chiefs kick off the Germany leg of the international slate on November 5. They take on the Miami Dolphins at Frankfurt Stadium.

The following weekend, on November 12, the New England Patriots face the Indianapolis Colts, also at Frankfurt Stadium.