NFL scouting sites in Spain and Brazil for future international regular season games, according to report

The NFL is looking to expand its reach outside of the United States. Earlier this month, the league sent officials to investigate the possibility of playing future international games in Spain and Brazil, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said. to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The first regular season games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo could happen as soon as next season.

“That’s what we always do,” O’Reilly told ESPN. “What’s the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What’s the support like? So we’re not there yet in terms of time on that. But you’re right , we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there.”

In particular, the NFL is looking at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, and Estadio Metropolitano, home of Atletico Madrid.

“You have classic football clubs around the world that are very interested in hosting the NFL and building a relationship with the NFL,” O’Reilly said. – interests are there for sure, and it just determines the time and the method.

Back in 2021, the NFL granted marketing rights to various international locations to teams. The league assigned Spain to the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. The Dolphins also have rights in Brazil.

“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” said O’Reilly. “And importantly, there are also markets in which clubs are interested. … It is important to marry where clubs are now building their fans. It has to work for the clubs as well.”

The NFL begins its international schedule next week when it plays the first of three consecutive games in London. In November, the league will also travel to Germany for two games (Dolphins vs. Chiefs on November 5 and Colts vs. Patriots on November 12) at Frankfurt Stadium.