The NFL is pushing harder than ever to take its product beyond the United States, but the latest vision has created an immediate divide among fans. Commissioner Roger Goodell now believes permanent NFL franchises outside the country are eventually inevitable.
This possibility would represent a major change for a league built around U.S. cities and rivalries. It also raises questions about travel, player life, and competitive balance that fans are already debating.
Roger Goodell Faces Fan Backlash over NFL Teams Overseas
Goodell made his position clear during an interview with German broadcaster RTL/ntv, saying he has “no doubt” the NFL will eventually have “teams based outside” the United States.
The commissioner also suggested that an international city with a permanent franchise could eventually host a Super Bowl, taking the league’s global plans well beyond occasional regular-season games. He said, “There are definitely international cities that could host something like that.”
The NFL is already testing that model through an expanded international schedule. The league will play nine regular-season games outside the U.S. in 2026, with Melbourne, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro joining established destinations such as London, Munich, Madrid, and Mexico City.
Owners have also approved an increase to 10 international games per year beginning in 2027, while Goodell has discussed a long-term goal of 16 games.
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This growth explains why the idea of a permanent overseas franchise no longer feels completely hypothetical. London appears to be the leading candidate because of its history with NFL games, while cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City, and Madrid also offer established football audiences and major stadiums.
Still, some fans were far from thrilled by Goodell’s vision when the news reached X.
Beezer, an NFL fan on X, took aim at the commissioner’s leadership, writing, “It’s about time for a change in leadership for the NFL. Goodell has lost the plot and has an agenda that flies in the face of everything football should be.”
It’s about time for a change in leadership for the NFL.
Goodell has lost the plot and has an agenda that flies in the face of everything football should be. pic.twitter.com/Ezxf4ProbN
— Beezer (@BeezerTeezer) August 18, 2026
Another fan, Shirou, questioned whether the league could retain its identity, saying, “It wouldn’t be the national football league anymore at that point. As it would be international.”
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The backlash also touched on the concern that expanding the league could make an already competitive NFL even more difficult to navigate. Gridiron Stats and Info called the proposal “Ridiculous!” while adding, “It is hard enough to win in the NFL we don’t need more teams!”
Ridiculous!
It is hard enough to win in the NFL we don’t need more teams!
— Gridiron Stats and Info (@GridironInfo_) August 18, 2026
X user “TFord” questioned why an American player would want to move his family overseas, writing, “Could you imagine being a player from the US hearing this [expletive]… Like why [expletive] would I want to move my family to BFE to make YOU more money….”
Meanwhile, Brett focused on the practical concerns, arguing that the idea could create major travel and time-zone problems. “This is simply not plausible due to the travel and time zone differences. Please stop with this crap before you ruin our sport,” Brett wrote.
Nick Joseph took an even harsher view, calling Goodell “a clown” and hoping the proposed international structure fails.
Goodell is a clown. No fan wants this. Hope this whole team and international division completely blows up in their face
— Nick Joseph (@NickJoe58) August 18, 2026
The league, however, has already accepted some of those logistical challenges. Long flights, recovery demands, international tax rules, and NFLPA negotiations would all become major considerations for a permanent overseas team.
