nbcsports
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has revealed that the league is targeting Tokyo for a regular-season game in the near future, specifically in 2027 or 2028. Goodell, who was in Paris as the NFL prepares for its inaugural game in the French capital, shared this update during an appearance on NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue.
"Listen, Tokyo is clearly on our list, whether it's next year or the year after," Goodell stated. "It's coming at some point in the near future." He emphasized that the league will continue to prioritize its established markets but is also exploring new cities, citing the recent game in Rio de Janeiro over São Paulo as an example of strategic expansion.
Goodell pointed to the successful NFL game in Australia during Week 1 as evidence that the league can stage games anywhere globally. "On a Friday morning at 10:30, to have 100,000 people in the stadium, it was just an incredible feeling for us," he said. "I think it's opened up new opportunities for us. The travel is something we think we can manage and do it without impacting negatively on the teams. So, each of these we learned something from and we benefit and we also open those other doors."
Key Analysis
The NFL's popularity in the United States is already at its peak, leading the league to view international markets as essential for continued growth. Tokyo appears to be the next frontier, but it certainly won't be the last as the NFL plans to play globally. "We're planning on playing global," Goodell affirmed. "That's where we're going."
Originally reported by nbcsports.