What happened: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the establishment of franchises outside the United States is an eventual certainty. His public stance indicates the league will eventually grow beyond its current 32-team structure.

Why it matters: Establishing an international presence will likely require expansion rather than relocation. The Jacksonville Jaguars recently secured a new long-term lease, removing a primary candidate to move overseas. A larger league would force a realignment of current conference and division structures to maintain scheduling symmetry.

What to watch: Logistical hurdles involving scheduling, travel, and competitive balance must be resolved before any foreign franchise materializes. The league is monitoring advancements in supersonic flight to address the geographical challenges of a European division.