The NFL’s quest for international expansion has taken it far beyond American borders, with a keen eye on emerging markets. In a recent conversation between Adam Schefter and Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Club Business Development, the spotlight was on potential future destinations for the league’s activities.
While the NFL’s international presence has often been associated with games played abroad, Peter O’Reilly emphasized that it’s more than just that. The NFL engages in year-round activities in various global markets, indicating a broader strategy than just playing games. Here are some of the key highlights from their discussion:
Diverse Markets: The NFL is considering several countries as potential future destinations. Among them, Brazil stands out as a country with a passionate NFL fan base. Spain is another market where NFL broadcasts are accessible, and the league has invested in on-ground activities and custom social media content. France and Australia are also on the radar due to their growing NFL fan communities.
Recent Explorations: O’Reilly revealed that NFL representatives recently visited Brazil, specifically in Sao Paulo and Rio, as well as Spain in Madrid. These visits aimed to assess the feasibility of hosting NFL games in these locations. The diligence included evaluating stadium infrastructure and gauging local support.
Brazil and Spain: The support for the NFL in Brazil and Spain appears promising. Super Bowl viewing parties in Brazil have drawn enthusiastic crowds, indicating a significant interest in American football. Moreover, iconic soccer clubs in these countries have expressed interest in hosting NFL events, forging partnerships that could benefit both sides.
Timing Matters: While Brazil and Spain seem to be strong contenders, the exact timing for hosting NFL games in these countries remains uncertain. The NFL is actively building relationships in these markets and assessing the potential for future events.
Australia and France: Australia poses unique challenges due to its long travel distances, making regular-season games a logistical hurdle. Nevertheless, the NFL is pursuing other initiatives in Australia. In France, the focus is currently on the upcoming Paris Olympics, with potential NFL expansion discussions slated for later.
Club Engagement: The NFL’s expansion strategy also takes into account the interests of NFL clubs. Clubs have global market rights, and the league aims to align its efforts with club interests. For example, the Miami Dolphins have rights in Brazil, and the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins hold rights in Spain, making these markets even more appealing for expansion.
In conclusion, the NFL’s international ambitions are broader than ever before, with an emphasis on nurturing global fan bases and partnerships. While Brazil and Spain seem to be at the forefront of potential expansion, the league’s exploration of diverse markets around the world underscores its commitment to growing the sport of American football on a global scale.