NFL Expands International Game Sampling to Eight Games in 2025
At the league meetings on Wednesday, the NFL made a landmark decision to expand its international game sampling from four to eight games commencing in 2025. While the move was not unanimously agreed upon, with the Chicago Bears dissenting, it marks a significant step towards the league’s global expansion.
The Bears’ chairman, George McCaskey, voted against the measure due to concerns about the reduction in home game protections. Previously, teams were allowed to protect four home games from being selected to go internationally. However, under the new ruling, this will be reduced to just two. The intention behind the reduction is to ensure higher quality games are played internationally.
McCaskey argued that fans are eager to see the best quarterbacks in action and insisted on preserving the right to host those games. His statement elicited laughter from the room, indicating a lighthearted response to his concerns. Nevertheless, the Bears have made their stance clear, prioritizing their brand and retaining home game advantages.
This decision comes as no surprise, as the NFL aims to expand its global reach. In 2024, the league will make its debut in Brazil, with an NFC team acting as the “home team” for a regular-season game. Furthermore, Germany is set to host a game for the third consecutive year, and London will play host to three games in the upcoming season.
To ensure fairness, no team will be asked to play more than one game outside of North America unless they voluntarily request it. This provides teams with the flexibility to choose their international game participation based on their preferences and objectives.
The NFL’s international ventures have proven successful in recent years. In the current season, the league experimented with consecutive games in London, with the Jacksonville Jaguars winning both matches against the Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills. These efforts have helped promote the sport and build a stronger global fan base.
It is worth noting that no international games will take place after Week 14. This scheduling allows teams sufficient time to recover from their trips to Europe, as they usually receive a bye week following their European adventures.
As the NFL continues to expand its international presence, teams like the Bears are girding themselves for a new era of the sport. Having previously played in London twice, the Bears are keen to enhance their brand domestically and internationally, capitalizing on the league’s global initiatives.
With the potential for more thrilling matchups abroad, football enthusiasts worldwide can eagerly await the forthcoming seasons filled with the excitement of international NFL games.
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