Roger Goodell Eyes Global Expansion as NFL Debuts in South America with Historic Game in Brazil

Tonight's Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles game in São Paulo, Brazil, is an important step by the NFL to further its international expansion efforts. It will be the NFL's first official matchup of teams played in South America, a further testament to how far beyond U.S. borders it is willing to reach. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has often discussed the league's aspirations to become more of an international brand and open up American football for all fans around the globe.

Roger Goodell on NFL’s Global Expansion

"We feel like this game is destined to be global," Goodell said when asked if Africa could be the next continent to host a game. "We expect to be in Asia soon. We expect to be in Australia soon. We're going to make sure that our game is available around the globe. And I think the ownership has been great on that. They've passed a resolution where every team is obligated to play (outside the US). We're going to have eight (international) games a year, minimum. And if we do get to an 18 and two (preseason) game season, we likely will see even more international games. And I hope someday we'll be playing 16."

Speaking to #PFTPM recently, Luck explained that the NFL sees games like this one as part of a broader mission, planting the U.S. flag in territories ranging from Asia and Australia all the way (eventually) to Africa.

"We want to go where the fans are, where we think a game will really catapult that kind of momentum, and I think that's what will happen here," he said. "The fans here are just going crazy. I think we're getting people who aren't really fans, who are interested, and they're saying, 'What's going on?' The fans here are so passionate about the game, and I think having a chance to have it in their stadium -- we'll be in the Corinthians Stadium, it's a very high-profile, famous stadium. And I think it's going to be a much different atmosphere with an NFL game than you do with soccer. I think the reaction is going to be extraordinary and really help us continue our efforts to make this game global."


To Goodell, it's only a matter of time before the sport becomes more international, and he could imagine an NFL in which games are played regularly on multiple continents. For the NFL, this is not a passing fancy—it’s all written out and official. As you will see, the league already requires each team to appear in one international game annually (although there are no less than eight of these games being played every single year). Just to be honest, this might only be the beginning of many more! Goodell also hinted that an expanded regular season could lead to further international games.

While Brazil has had a burgeoning interest in American football for several years, no game has been bigger or more important than the one that will kick off tonight. Adding an actual NFL event in one of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums—Corinthians Stadium—should fan those flames even further. Goodell sees this game as being more than just entertaining for the legions of already-there fans, he also believes that new and potential NFL followers who haven’t been given a full taste yet will appreciate it.

The NFL is king in the United States, of course, but what comes next looks like a global ground game for owners. With tonight's kickoff in Brazil, the league is making its gravest international move yet—proof that this is only just another layer to what will be an increasingly global reach.