The NFL announced that it will play its first game in Australia in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams as the designated home team. The game will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and is expected to be the season opener for both teams. Australia is considered a significant market for the NFL, with a fan base of 6.6 million across the country.
The NFL’s executive vice president, Peter O’Reilly, emphasized the league’s global growth ambitions and vision to expand its reach around the world. The Rams’ president of team operations, Kevin Demoff, expressed excitement about the opportunity to play in Australia, despite giving up a home game at SoFi Stadium.
The Australian Football League (AFL), which has first call on the use of the MCG during its season, indicated its support for an NFL game at the iconic stadium, even if it leads to a scheduling conflict. The NFL has been expanding internationally, with previous games in South America and upcoming games scheduled in London, Berlin, and Madrid.
Overall, the decision to play a game in Australia reflects the NFL’s commitment to growing its global presence and engaging with fans in key markets outside of the United States. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase the league’s international footprint and attract new audiences around the world.
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