Commissioner Roger Goodell dropped a huge hint at Fanatics Fest on Thursday, saying he's got "about 10" more countries on his mind for NFL regular-season games. And get this: Japan is leading the charge, explicitly named as a prime target for future action.
Japan's NFL Future Isn't Just Preseason Anymore
Goodell made it crystal clear he wants a *regular-season* game in Japan. We've seen NFL action in Tokyo before, yeah, but those were always preseason matchups. Remember all the way back to '76 when the Chargers duked it out with the Cardinals in an exhibition? That's history. Goodell wants the real deal now, a game that counts, and that's a massive step up for the league's global ambitions.The Push for 16 International Games Hits a Player Barrier
This isn't just about Japan, though. Goodell is eyeing a massive expansion, wanting to jack up the number of annual international games to a whopping 16. The catch? That move totally hinges on the NFL Players Association agreeing to increase the current limit of 10 international games. It's a big ask, but the league is clearly pushing hard to make America's game a truly global phenomenon. Goodell's vision for expanding the NFL's international reach is undeniable. The ball's in the NFLPA's court now. Can they agree on expanding the number of games? We'll be watching to see if Japan gets its regular-season wish!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.