Nobody's Talking About NFL Games in Japan and Africa, And That's the Real Problem

Hold up, 12s, because the NFL is about to blow your mind with where they're heading next! We're talking beyond London, beyond Mexico City, way, way out there. Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league aren't just dipping their toes in the international waters anymore, they're launching a full-blown global invasion, and it looks like Japan and even Africa are firmly in their sights. Seriously, get ready for football in places you never imagined.

The League Is Going Global, Fast

You thought nine international games in 2025 was a lot? That's the most ever, sure, but get this: the owners just approved upping that number to a guaranteed ten international games every single year starting in 2027. Ten games! That's a huge chunk of the schedule moving overseas. And before we even get there, we could see as many as eleven games next season, thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars negotiating their London games separately as a home team. We're already set to see games in Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico next season. But now, Japan is officially "under consideration" for future matchups. Peter O'Reilly, the NFL executive vice president, even told the 'Up & Adams' show, "We've identified markets beyond these that we think could be great," adding that "Australia is obviously a sports-crazed market." My jaw is on the floor, folks.

Africa? Are You Kidding Me?

But wait, there's more. O'Reilly didn't stop at Japan. He talked about "parts of the world we haven't played a game and don't have a year-round presence," which includes Asia, Japan, and Italy, where the Saints and Browns already have Global Markets Program rights. But then he dropped the real bomb: Africa. Nothing's "imminent," he said, but the groundwork is being laid. He mentioned Nigeria is killing it in flag football, with both their men's and women's teams qualifying for the world championships. Can you even imagine? He said, "Not sure we're headed to play a game in Africa in the near term, but there's so much that we're doing in Africa." He even called the Miami Dolphins drafting Seydou Traore, a graduate of the NFL's UK academy, a "full-circle moment." This isn't just about expanding games, it's about growing the entire sport globally. It’s wild to think about the Emerald City connecting with fans halfway across the world, all for the love of the game. So, what's next for us fans? Keep an eye on those international schedules. This isn't just talk, the NFL is actively making moves to become a truly global sport. It's an exciting time to be a football fan, and who knows, maybe one day the Seahawks will be playing in Tokyo or Lagos! The possibilities are endless.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.