The NFL in Tokyo in 2027?

The NFL could soon take another step forward in its international expansion.

Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that Tokyo is among the destinations being considered to host a regular-season game, with a possibility as early as 2027 or 2028.

During an interview Friday on the NFL Daily show, Goodell reaffirmed his intention to see the league establish a presence in Japan in the near future. According to him, the project could come to fruition within the next two years, although no official date has yet been announced.

This ambition is not new. In July, during Fanatics Fest, the commissioner had already expressed his desire to host a regular-season game in Tokyo. The NFL has been seeking for several years to expand its presence overseas and reach new American football fans.

The experience gained from recent international games could facilitate this effort. The game played in Australia between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams during the first week of the season particularly impressed league officials.

Goodell highlighted the enthusiasm of the crowd in Melbourne, where approximately 100,000 spectators turned out on a Friday morning. This experience also reportedly showed him that long-distance travel can be organized without necessarily negatively impacting the teams.

The NFL Wants to Continue Its Expansion into the Asian Market

The international schedule is now a key component of the NFL's business strategy. The collective bargaining agreement allows the league to host up to ten regular-season games outside the United States each year.

For the 2026 season, nine international games are planned, including a historic matchup in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints.

Peter O'Reilly, executive vice president of club affairs, international operations, and league events, also indicated that adding a tenth game abroad starting in 2027 is under consideration.

Asia is among the regions targeted for this next phase of expansion. Tokyo could therefore become a key destination for the NFL, which aims to increase its visibility among Japanese fans.

A Return to Japan After More Than 20 Years

The league already has a history in Japan. Since 1976, it has held 14 preseason games there, the last of which took place in 2005, when the Atlanta Falcons faced the Indianapolis Colts.

An official regular-season game, however, would be a first for the country.

If the plan comes to fruition in 2027 or 2028, Tokyo could join the ranks of major international cities hosting the top American football teams. For the NFL, this would be another opportunity to expand its global audience.

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