Rams to Bounce Down Under in NFL’s First Regular Season Game in Australia
A Historic Move for the League
The Los Angeles Rams will be one of two teams heading down under next season for the first ever regular season NFL game in Australia, the league announced in a statement early Wednesday afternoon.
A Match Made in Melbourne
The Rams will play their still unnamed opponent at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue with a rich sports history. This match is the first of several in a multi-year commitment to the country.
A Commitment to International Growth
According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth. 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.”
Australia’s Growing NFL Fanbase
The Rams, alongside the Eagles, hold marketing rights in Australia as part of the league’s Global Markets Program – an initiative that awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S., through fan engagement, events, and commercial opportunities.
A Premier’s Perspective
“We’re thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular-season NFL game,” said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. “It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses, and a win for fans who will get to see American football played at the iconic MCG.”
Australia’s Growing NFL Fanbase
Australia is one of the fastest-growing markets for NFL viewership, with an estimated 6.6 million fans across the country.
A Global Game
This game is just the most recent example of the NFL’s attempted expansion outside American borders. This past season, NFL teams played regular season games all over the globe, including Berlin and London. In past years, the league has also hosted games in Mexico. The Dolphins have also entered a similar deal with Madrid, Spain.
Conclusion
The NFL’s commitment to international growth is evident in this historic move to Australia. As the league continues to expand its global footprint, fans around the world can expect to see more exciting matches like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the game take place?
A: The exact date of the game has not been announced yet.
Q: Who will the Rams be playing?
A: The Rams’ opponent has not been named yet.
Q: What is the Global Markets Program?
A: The Global Markets Program is an initiative that awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the U.S.
Q: How many fans does the NFL have in Australia?
A: The NFL has an estimated 6.6 million fans in Australia.
