NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Eyes Tokyo for Future Regular-Season Game
Goodell stated that playing in Japan is a goal for the league and is "coming at some point in the near future."
National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell has expressed the league's ambition to host its first regular-season game in Tokyo, signaling a significant step in the NFL's ongoing international expansion efforts.
"Tokyo is clearly on our list, whether it’s next year or the year after," Goodell said Friday during an interview on “NFL Daily.” "It’s coming at some point in the near future." He added that the league intends to continue focusing on its priority international markets while also exploring new locations.
The NFL has a history of playing exhibition games in Japan, with 14 contests held between 1976 and 2005, primarily in Tokyo. However, a regular-season game has yet to be played in the country.
This potential move to Tokyo aligns with the league's broader strategy of increasing its global footprint. The NFL is scheduled to conclude its 2026 international slate this weekend with a game in Paris, marking the first regular-season contest in France. Despite recent unrest in the city, the game is proceeding as planned, with players like Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers indicating confidence in the league's safety protocols.
The league is also considering an expansion of its international schedule to 10 games for the 2027 season, according to NFL vice president of club business, international and league events Peter O’Reilly. The NFL's current international games, including recent matchups in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris, have provided valuable learning experiences regarding team travel and time zone management.
"On a Friday morning at 10:30, to have 100,000 people in the stadium, it was just an incredible feeling for us. I think it’s opened up new opportunities for us," Goodell said, referencing the Melbourne game. "The travel is something we think we can manage and do it without impacting negatively on the teams."
The Rams currently hold marketing rights in Japan through the league’s Global Markets Program, a further indication of the NFL's engagement with the Japanese market.