• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

NFL Looks to Spain, France for Expansion

  • The NFL’s analysis of fan growth and commercial potential puts France and Spain on its “radar.”
  • Brett Gosper, NFL head of the U.K. and Europe, said the Nordic markets would be next.
NFL-Europe
Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Spain and France have reached the top of the NFL’s European bucket list.

Following the success of the NFL’s first regular-season game played in Germany this past Sunday, Brett Gosper, NFL head of the U.K. and Europe, told the Associated Press that the league’s analysis of fan growth and commercial potential puts France and Spain on its “radar.”

“We need to do our homework to make sure that there is the possibility of a place to land any games in those markets, gauge interest of the host stadia, gauge interest of the host city, even the government, as to their enthusiasm to help us bring a game,” Gosper said.

Spain may have a better shot at landing games since it already has an NFL presence.

  • The Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins have “home marketing” rights in the country.
  • The Barcelona Dragons were an NFL Europe and WLAF franchise between 1991-2003.
  • France has no teams with marketing rights.

Gosper indicated that the Nordic markets would be next, “Sweden in particular.”

Goodell’s Game Plan

The NFL aims to grow its international business to $1 billion annually.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if its current four-game Germany deal “expanded beyond that at some point soon.” Germany surpassed the U.K. as the NFL’s largest European market despite London hosting regular-season games since 2007.

Goodell has also hinted at a possible European division.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Joe Tsai

NFL Owners Set to Vote on Dolphins, Bills Stakes for Tsai, Carter,..

The deals are likely to be approved at the owners meetings in Dallas.

BYU Secures No. 1 2026 Hoops Recruit With $7 Million NIL Deal

Dybantsa chose BYU over UNC, Kansas, and Alabama.

Transfer Portal Chaos: Record Moves, Star QBs, and NIL Deals Reshape CFB

There has been unprecedented portal activity this year.

Manfred Reinforces MLB Interest in Tampa Remaining Rays Home

The commissioner meets with state and county officials to support the Rays.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

Premier League Transfer Spending Has Already Topped $2 Billion As Deadline Looms

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.
July 25, 2024

Olympics: Despite Concerns, Star Athletes and Paris Spark Hope

Hope rises for a resurgent event after two pandemic-marred Olympics.