Roger Goodell Eyes New Country to Host NFL Regular-Season Game Amid International Popularity

Over the past few seasons, the NFL has expanded its international reach across Europe and South America.

Now, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is eyeing a game in Asia.

"We had a game in Tokyo, but it was a preseason game," Goodell said. "We want to do a regular-season game next."

Goodell added that he has "about 10" international markets he's eyeing for a possible game.

Last September, Goodell said that he would eventually like to be playing an international game almost every week, though it would likely take the NFL expanding to an 18-game schedule.

"We have our eyes set on being 16 games internationally every year," he said. "We think we can do it."

In 2026, the NFL will play a record nine international games on four different continents. For the first time ever, Australia will host an NFL game as the 49ers take on the Rams on Sept. 10.

Playing games internationally is a great way to grow football outside of the United States, but obviously, that kind of travel isn't ideal for teams. Whether the NFL Players' Association will be on board with more international games could slow Goodell's pursuit of adding more in the future.