The NFL is no stranger to the global stage, with its legendary Super Bowls drawing viewers from all corners of the earth. But in a strategic pivot, the league is setting its sights even further afield, eyeing regular-season games in some of Europe’s most iconic cities: Dublin and Paris. As 2024 marks the debut of the NFL’s first game in Brazil, the global expansion playbook seems more ambitious than ever.
The NFL’s European Game Plan
At the heart of the NFL’s international strategy is its vision to captivate a global audience, and the choice of Dublin and Paris as potential hosts is no coincidence. These cities are not just tourist meccas but also cultural hubs with a burgeoning interest in American football.
According to Henry Hodgson, the general manager of the NFL’s UK office, the league is conducting a thorough “feasibility study” in various European cities, with Dublin leading the pack.
“Dublin is one of those cities where we are looking at the stadiums, taking local meetings… We’ll take away all of that information, digest it, and determine what the next steps are,” Hodgson disclosed in a conversation with Laura Colgan of The Irish Times. This meticulous approach mirrors the league’s successful ventures in Sao Paulo and Madrid, signaling robust potential for Dublin and Paris to join the roster of international hosts.
Dublin’s Storied Stadiums: Croke Park and Aviva
Dublin’s historic Croke Park, with a seating capacity surpassing 82,000, once hosted a preseason skirmish between the Steelers and Bears back in 1997. Its colossal size and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal candidate for future NFL showdowns. The Aviva Stadium, known for its ultramodern amenities, also makes the shortlist, potentially setting the stage for epic gridiron battles on Irish soil.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the recently included New York Jets, hold international marketing rights in Ireland, paving the way for their potential participation in these historic games. This strategic partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association underscores the NFL’s commitment to integrating into the local sports culture, enhancing the game’s appeal to Irish fans.
Paris: The Next Frontier?
Meanwhile, Paris is not far behind in the NFL’s strategic radar. The New Orleans Saints, as the sole holders of marketing rights in France, are prime candidates to play in the City of Lights. The league’s interest in Paris was articulated by Hodgson, who emphasized the ongoing evaluations of several potential sites in the city.
“We continue to look at and have interest in all the major cities across Europe,” Hodgson added. “For now, Paris, Dublin — obviously we’re heading into Madrid in 2025 — those are the ones we’re most focused on in Europe.”
A Global Touchdown Strategy
The NFL’s vision of hosting games in Dublin and Paris is more than just a bid for higher viewership numbers; it’s a strategic move to plant the seeds of American football across fertile European grounds. As the league explores these new markets, the potential cultural exchange and economic impact could redefine the international sports landscape.
With teams like the Steelers and Saints possibly playing in historic European venues, the NFL’s international playbook is set to captivate a whole new audience, bridging continents through the universal language of sports. This bold expansion strategy not only promises thrilling games but also fosters a deeper global appreciation of American football, making it clear that the NFL’s ambitions span much further than the end zones of its U.S. stadiums.
Source: Yardbarker
