NFL Eyes Spain, Brazil and Australia for Regular-Season Games, Could Begin in 2024

The NFL is looking to Spain, Brazil and Australia as it looks to continue expanding its overseas footprint.

NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the league has explored the possibility of playing regular-season games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, which could begin in the 2024-25 season.

"That's the diligence that we do constantly," O'Reilly said. "What is the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What does the support look like?

"So we're not there yet in terms of timing on that. But you're right, we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there."

The NFL is set to play three regular-season games in England and two in Germany during the 2023 season. The league has been a fixure in England since 2007, while Mexico has periodically held games since 2016. Germany hosted its first regular-season NFL game in 2022.

Global expansion has been one of the biggest points of emphasis as the league office looks for new revenue streams. While football dominates ratings and market share in the United States, it's long struggled to find a consistent imprint outside North America. Yearly trips to England have helped plant roots throughout pockets of Europe, and O'Reilly said the NFL has seen growing interest in places like Brazil.

"Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets," O'Reilly said. "And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in. ... Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important. It needs to work for the clubs as well."

The Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears have marketing rights to Spain, and the Dolphins have also made an imprint in Brazil.

It's unclear if the NFL will follow through on plans for next season, but it's clear there's no plan to stop adding more international games to the calendar moving forward.