NFL plans first Tokyo regular-season game in near future

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 14:20 · Archive

The NFL plans to play its first regular-season game in Tokyo within the next couple of years, commissioner Roger Goodell said.

The NFL is planning to expand its international presence to Tokyo, with Commissioner Roger Goodell confirming the league wants to play a regular-season game in the Japanese capital in the near future. Goodell told the hosts of 'NFL Daily' on Friday that Tokyo is 'on our list' and the game 'is coming at some point'.

The league is already substantially increasing its overseas footprint. A nine-game international slate is scheduled for 2026, and the NFL is considering expanding to 10 international games for 2027. This weekend the league plays its first regular-season game in France, with the Steelers facing the Saints in Paris.

Tokyo is not new to American football. The NFL played 14 exhibition games in Japan from 1976 through 2005, with 13 of those held in Tokyo. However, a regular-season game has never been played in the Asian nation. Goodell said the league plans to 'continue to focus on our priority markets' and is 'planning on playing global'.

How it is being reported

• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league plans to play in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028The NFL has previously played 14 exhibition games in Japan, with the last one pitting the Falcons against the Indianapolis Colts in 2005.The Japan Times · 24 Oct, 13:43
• Roger Goodell wants NFL to expand international play to Tokyo: ‘It’s coming at some point’With a nine-game international slate in 2026, the NFL is now looking to expand its horizons to another continent.New York Post · 23 Oct, 23:25

In this story: Roger Goodell · NFL · Tokyo · Paris · Aaron Rodgers

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