The NFL has confirmed it will be hosting its first regular season game in Melbourne, Australia, with the Los Angeles Rams participating.
The 2022 Super Bowl winners will play at the 100,000 capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground(MCG) during the 2026 season. The Rams’ opponents have yet to be chosen.
Rams Owner and Chairman, Stanley Kroenke, commented: “When we first identified Australia as one of our global markets, it was not only because of our passionate fans who reside there, but also because of the important role Los Angeles plays in serving as a gateway to Australia and many countries across the Pacific.
“Today is an exciting day for Rams fans across the world, especially in Australia, where our players and organization have received an enthusiastic reception over the past few years when we have been in the market.
“This is the next important step for both the Rams and the broader Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family to continue to expand our reach globally, and we are thrilled to work with Commissioner Goodell and the league office to make history and bring the first NFL regular season game to Australia.”
The Rams have secured marketing rights for Australia, as have potential opponent and 2025 Super Bowl finalists the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is a part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which incentivises NFL franchises to broaden its international fanbase and scope to promote and commercialise the sport in varying markets.
According to the NFL, Australia has a fanbase of up to 6.6 million people, while the Rams has expanded its presence in the country through partnerships and key player initiatives.
Victoria Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said: “NFL fans will love Melbourne’s culture, food, sport and entertainment. From hidden laneways to blockbuster events, there’s always something new on show. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the NFL to be played on the hallowed turf of the MCG.”
Australia marks yet another country the NFL will host a regular season game outside of the US. With the UK and Mexico being regular hosts, the league has expanded to newfound territories, such as São Paulo, Brazil in 2024, Munich, Germany in 2022, and will enter Madrid, Spain for the first time later this year.
“Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth,” said NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell.
“Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint.”
