The National Football League continues its push to bring American football to global audiences, with international games becoming a central part of its expansion strategy.
Over the past several years, London and Germany have hosted regular-season contests, drawing record crowds and introducing the sport to millions of new fans.
Now, attention is turning to Spain, where the league is exploring opportunities to stage a game and expand its reach even further.
For players, these initiatives offer more than just travel opportunities-they represent a chance to engage with new fans and participate in the league’s growth beyond North America.
Among the athletes most excited by the prospect is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who has long embraced the NFL’s global ambitions.
“I’ll dream about it until we do [play in Spain], I’d love to, hopefully the NFL keeps expanding and hopefully we can get a game out there in Spain,” Kelce declared, reflecting both his personal excitement and his desire to see the sport grow internationally.
“Vamos, baby,” he added, to laughter.
Why Spain matters to the NFL and to Kelce
The NFL has already laid substantial groundwork for games beyond U.S. soil.
In the 2025 season, the league will stage a record seven regular-season contests across five countries, including debut appearances in Spain and Ireland.
Spain in particular is seen as the next major European destination following London and Germany.
For Kelce, the appeal is twofold. On one level, it’s the competitive thrill of playing in fresh venues and engaging new crowds.
On another it’s the chance to help spread the game globally, a mission he embraces.
It’s worth noting: the Chiefs already hold international marketing rights in Spain under the NFL’s Global Markets Programme, given back in March.
That commercial commitment aligns with the player-side enthusiasm. Analysts see strong signs that the league’s Europe push has moved from novelty to real priority.
While the NFL handles stadium logistics, broadcast rights, sponsorships and travel schedules, players like Kelce provide the human face.
They articulate the appeal of taking American football abroad, new environments, fresh fans, different energy.
NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, Major Events & International Peter O’Reilly previously made the NFL’s ambition clear, “the 2025 NFL season will see seven regular season games played outside of the U.S., the most ever regular season international games to date, including historic first games in iconic venues in Berlin, Dublin and Madrid.”
In an era of expanding media rights and global brand competition, the NFL’s international strategy serves several purposes.
First, it taps into new fanbases and markets across Europe and Latin America. Second, by staging games in iconic international stadiums, the league enhances its prestige and global reach.
Third, these events open commercial opportunities, from local partnerships and merchandising to digital streaming tie-ins in global markets.
With the biggest international slate in league history, the 2025 season may prove a defining moment in the NFL’s transformation into a global sports brand.
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