In a groundbreaking move for the sport, the National Football League (NFL) has announced a multiyear commitment to bring regular-season games to Australia, with the first game set to take place in the 2026 season. This marks the latest expansion in the league’s international ambitions as it continues to grow the game beyond North America.
The inaugural Australian NFL game will be held at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams designated as the host team. The Rams, alongside the Philadelphia Eagles, hold exclusive marketing rights in Australia as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, making them a natural choice for this landmark event.
“Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated during a Super Bowl LIV media session. “Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint.”
The NFL has been steadily increasing its presence overseas, having already played 55 regular-season games in cities such as London, Munich, Frankfurt, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Toronto. The league has also scheduled international games in 2025 in London, Berlin, and Madrid, with Ireland also being considered as a potential future destination.
The expansion to Australia marks a significant milestone in the NFL’s quest to engage fans worldwide. Australia has a rich sporting culture, with strong traditions in Australian Rules Football, rugby, and cricket. Introducing the NFL to this audience in a competitive setting is expected to further bolster the sport’s growing global appeal.
With international games now a permanent fixture in the league’s calendar, the NFL is poised to continue expanding its reach in key international markets. As the countdown to 2026 begins, Australian fans can prepare to witness history when the Rams take the field at the MCG, ushering in a new era of American football Down Under.
