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NFL·ANALYSIS·August 18, 2026 09:22 PM ET

Goodell calls international NFL expansion 'inevitable'

Commissioner told German outlet ntv a move is certain.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 191 min read
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What happened: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated his belief that the league will eventually establish a permanent franchise outside the United States. Speaking to German outlet ntv, Goodell described the addition of foreign teams as an inevitability, though he offered no specific timeline for an expansion or relocation.

Why it matters: The comments align with an aggressive push to grow the sport's global footprint through the International Series. The league scheduled a record nine regular-season matchups across seven countries for the 2026 season. Owners previously voted to allow up to 10 international games per year starting in 2027.

What to watch: Goodell has previously stated that a foreign city would likely need a permanent franchise before being considered to host a Super Bowl. The league will continue evaluating overseas markets through its rotating slate of regular-season games.

Sources

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