The NFL has already taken regular-season football to several countries, but Roger Goodell believes the league could eventually take an even bigger step by putting a franchise outside the United States.

Speaking before Thursday night’s Bills-Lions game on Prime’s pregame show, the NFL commissioner opened up about the possibility of an international team.

"Roger Goodell speaks on the growth happening in the NFL," ESPN NFL posted on Instagram.

Europe could be at the center of that conversation. The NFL has played regular-season games there since 2007, with 55 games taking place across the continent so far. Goodell has also previously called Europe the “logical location” for an international franchise.

“I think if we continue to grow, continue to get the kind of reaction, I do think a franchise will be international at some point in time,” Goodell said on Thursday night’s Bills-Lions game.

The idea may not stop at one team, either. Goodell has said more than one franchise outside the US could eventually be possible, although the league has not put a timeline on when that could happen.

For now, the NFL continues to build its international schedule. Nine regular-season games are being played outside the US this season, with that number set to reach 10 in 2027.

London remains a familiar stop, while Germany, Spain and Ireland have also joined the schedule. Paris is also set to host its first NFL game this season.

Brazil and Australia have hosted regular-season games as well, while Japan has previously been mentioned as another possible destination, according to Pro Football Rumors.

Goodell’s contract runs through the 2030 season, but he has not said an international franchise needs to happen before then.

For now, the league is continuing to grow its audience overseas while keeping the bigger possibility of an international franchise on the table.

While Goodell looks overseas, another stadium question has brought his attention back to the US.

Could the Bears’ stadium plans be taking another turn?

The Chicago Bears’ search for a new home has taken another turn, with Illinois officials, the NFL and a Bears owner sitting down to discuss keeping the team in the state.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Bears minority owner Pat Ryan and state lawmakers Thursday to talk about the team’s stadium plans.

“The Governor and General Assembly leadership were glad to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers,” the governor’s office said, according to USA Today.

The meeting comes after months of uncertainty. The Bears bought a site in Arlington Heights in 2021, but the team later shifted its focus toward Hammond, Indiana.

Bears president Kevin Warren said in August that Hammond had become the team’s “sole focus.”

Goodell had also met with Illinois lawmakers as the stadium talks continued. Ryan’s appearance at Thursday’s meeting adds another layer, with the billionaire minority owner representing the Bears instead of Warren.

“The NFL appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders today. Timely action is essential as the Bears work to find a long-term stadium solution for the club and their fans,” the league said.

The Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971, but they lease the stadium from the Chicago Park District. Their current lease runs through 2033, although the team can leave earlier by paying a fee.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit