NFL Makes Historic Move Down Under Regular Season Games to be Played in Melbourne Starting 2026
The National Football League (NFL) is officially expanding its global footprint, announcing a multi-year commitment to host regular season games in Melbourne, Australia, starting in 2026.
The Los Angeles Rams will play in the first-ever regular season NFL game in Australia, which will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue known for hosting world-class events.
Australia’s growing fan base—boasting more than 6.5 million NFL fans—has prompted the league to make this major move. The Rams are the designated team for this historic game, and the Philadelphia Eagles, another NFL team with marketing rights in Australia, will also benefit from the growing interest in American football in the region.
As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, these teams are granted international marketing rights to help boost brand recognition and engage with fans outside the U.S.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan expressed excitement about the announcement: “We’re thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game. It’s a win for jobs, businesses, and fans who will get to experience American football at the iconic MCG.”
This milestone adds to the NFL’s history of international games, following successful events in markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. Later this year, the Miami Dolphins will take part in the first-ever NFL regular season game in Madrid, Spain.
With the NFL’s expanding international presence, fans in Australia and beyond can look forward to more exciting American football action on a global stage.
