NFL OKs up to 10 int'l games in '27; teams can't protect games
ORLANDO, Fla.
The NFL on Tuesday approved the ability to play as many as 10 international games starting in 2027, up from eight previously.
SNIP
The league also voted to strip teams' ability to protect any home games from international play. Previously, teams could protect two games.
The 2026 slate features nine international games -- eight league-run games and a London game as part of an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Wembley Stadium. Playing that ninth game required NFLPA approval as collectively bargained. Now, the league can in the future play the 10 games plus the Wembley game with NFLPA approval.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48819165/nfl-oks-10-intl-games-27-teams-protect-games
Host sites for 2026: Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London (three games), Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City. Asian markets are cited as being "complex" due to travel (oh, really?) but could still become a reality.
According to the link, many in the NFL think the league could play one international game every week. Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, has said 16 international games is the goal.
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I hate this. It's a middle finger to hometown fans, a burden to players, contributes to global pollution, and is a HUGE waste of recourses.
Players' Union could curtail this.