The NFL has been exploring international opportunities and growth of the sport for decades, beginning at least with NFL Europe and currently holding a series of games played in London.
Now the league is apparently looking to further expand its reach, and according to a statement, is in discussions with three German cities — Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich -- as potential sites to host regular-season games starting as early as 2022.
The NFL will play at least four games in Europe during the regular season beginning as soon as next year. The league currently has two London games on this season's schedule -- the Falcons beat the Jets this past Sunday, and the Jaguars will play the Dolphins in Week 6, again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Here's what the league said in a statement about their decision to expand international games to Germany.
“After an initial period in which expressions of interest were received from multiple cities, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Munich have been invited to proceed to the ‘candidate phase’ of the process,” the league said. “Those cities will now participate in deeper conversations about staging games in Germany.”
Germany is one of the biggest economies in the world, one that just so happens to feature a strong and growing base of fans of American football, according to viewership data complied by the league.
“The strong interest we have received from German cities underlines what a fantastic opportunity this is for a host, ranging from the significant economic benefits and global exposure to the chance to become a hub for the growth of the NFL’s fan engagement, community and grassroots activities,” said Brett Gosper, NFL Head of Europe and UK.
France, Spain and “Nordic countries” (Sweden, Iceland, Finland) have been identified as the next viable locations to host games, based on data gathered by the NFL on consumer figures for TV products like 'Game Pass' and the video game 'Madden.'
Currently, the NFL has played 39 international regular-season games: 29 in London, six in Toronto, and four in Mexico City.
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