NFL Eyes Australia for Next International Expansion

The National Football League (NFL) is setting its sights on Australia as a prime market for its next phase of global expansion. With a rich history of over 50 international games spanning England, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Brazil, the league is now exploring Australia as a potential host for regular-season games.

In a significant move earlier this year, the NFL announced plans to establish an academy in southeast Queensland. This initiative will focus on identifying and developing talent from the Asia-Pacific region, creating pathways for athletes to transition to collegiate football and potentially enter the NFL. The league’s UK Academy, founded in 2019, has already produced players who now compete at top-tier collegiate programs, setting a precedent for success.

Both Sydney and Melbourne have been rumored as frontrunners to host NFL games, with the league unfazed by the logistical challenges posed by Australia’s time difference. Matches could kick off around midday local time, offering prime evening viewing for U.S. audiences—a scheduling model that could rival the success of London games.