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NFL Cancels 2020 International Series Games Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
May 4, 2020
The NFL won't be playing games overseas this season.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has canceled its 2020 International Series. While the league is planning to go ahead with its normal schedule, the International Series will fall by the wayside.
ESPN's Vaughn McClure first reported the cancellation.
The NFL had four games scheduled for London—two at the famous Wembley Stadium and two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium—and one game planned for Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.
It will be the second time Mexico City's game is canceled. In 2018, the NFL moved a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams to L.A. after it deemed the field conditions at Estadio Azteca unsuitable.
The Chiefs faced the Los Angeles Chargers in Mexico City in 2019.
The league has had games in London every year since 2007, with experienced travelers the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to play two "home" games in London this season.
The coronavirus has had a significant impact on the NFL. The league's draft in April was held completely digitally and remotely, while offseason programs are also being held in a virtual format. Much of the conversation heading into the year—given the hiatus of leagues like the NBA, MLB and international soccer leagues—was whether the NFL would be able to start on time or would have fans in the stands when play began.
The league still plans to release a full schedule by May 9 and begin its regular season Sept. 10, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. But the International Series won't be part of its plans.