NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will eventually place multiple professional football teams permanently outside the U.S. [1].

This shift represents a fundamental change in the NFL's business model, moving from occasional international exhibition games to a global franchise structure. By establishing permanent overseas bases, the league aims to secure long-term growth and deeper market penetration in foreign territories [2].

Goodell spoke about these plans during an interview with the German outlet RTL/ntv in July [2]. He said that the move toward international franchises is an inevitable part of the league's growth strategy. "No doubt there will be an NFL team outside the U.S. one day," Goodell said [2].

The commissioner also indicated that the league's ambitions extend beyond just regular-season games. He said that cities hosting these permanent international teams could eventually host a Super Bowl [1].

As part of this broader expansion, the NFL is increasing its immediate international footprint. The league will hold a record nine international games in 2026 [3].

Goodell also highlighted specific targets for near-term growth. "The NFL wants to hold a regular-season game in Japan," Goodell said [3].

The league has previously played games in the U.K., Germany, and Mexico, but those have remained temporary events. The transition to permanent franchises would require significant logistical changes to travel, scheduling, and player contracts. "It’s inevitable that the NFL will eventually have a team permanently based outside the United States," Goodell said [2].

“"No doubt there will be an NFL team outside the U.S. one day,"”

The NFL is transitioning from a domestic league with international marketing to a truly global sports entity. By pursuing permanent overseas franchises, the league is attempting to replicate the global footprint of European soccer. This strategy suggests the NFL believes it has reached a saturation point within the U.S. market and must establish physical roots abroad to sustain its current trajectory of revenue growth.