NFL is considering Japan for future regular-season games as it expands its global footprint and targets up to 16 international fixtures by 2030.
The National Football League (NFL) is considering Japan as a potential destination for future regular-season games as it accelerates efforts to expand its presence beyond the United States.
Brett Gosper, the NFL’s head of Europe and Asia-Pacific, said Japan has emerged as a market of interest because of its existing American sports following and growing participation in American football.
The league is set for a record international schedule in 2026, with nine regular-season games planned across seven countries. This represents an increase from seven international fixtures held during the previous season.
Japan’s strong sporting culture could make it an attractive market for the NFL. The country has a substantial following for American sports, particularly baseball, while participation in American football also provides a foundation for potential league growth.
However, scheduling games in Asian markets presents challenges because of the significant time difference with the United States. Match timings that work for Asian audiences can be difficult to align with the NFL’s established U.S. broadcasting schedule.
The NFL has already established a growing international presence in countries including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Spain and Australia. Melbourne will host the opening international game of the 2026 season on September 11, featuring the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Rams.
The league’s international expansion could become significantly larger in the coming years. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested that the number of regular-season games played outside the United States could eventually rise to 16, with 2030 viewed as a potential target.
According to the league, expanding overseas fixtures can benefit both international and U.S. fans because additional international games have generally involved shifting fixtures from the preseason rather than reducing the overall regular-season schedule for American audiences.
The NFL is also looking to use players from international markets to strengthen local interest. Australia’s Jordan Mailata, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, has reportedly helped generate increased attention for the sport in his home country.
The league ultimately aims to become one of the top three favourite sports in the countries where it establishes a long-term presence, highlighting its ambitions for sustained global growth.