Prior to the Super Bowl LX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, Goodell addressed his long-term vision for growing the NFL. He revealed that league expansion is a real possibility and suggested that future franchises may not be limited to the United States.

“I think as far as teams are concerned, I think at some point, if our international growth continues the way it is, I can see international growth on an international basis,” Goodell told Scott Graham of Westwood One.

“And in some of these markets — there are undoubtedly, even today, there are cities out there that could support an NFL team,” he continued. “And we’re at the early stages. So I don’t take international expansion off the table. I thinks it’s very possible someday.”

Which countries could host an NFL team?

While Goodell appears open to placing teams outside the U.S., the idea comes with significant challenges. The biggest concern is travel, as long-distance flights would place a heavy burden on teams throughout the season.

Mexico and the United Kingdom—particularly London—are widely viewed as the strongest international markets for the NFL. Both countries have well-established fan bases, and in recent years there have even been rumors about the Jacksonville Jaguars playing so much in London that they could eventually relocate there, though nothing has materialized.

These two locations remain the most logical candidates for international expansion. However, frequent transatlantic travel could be difficult not only for a London-based franchise, but also for visiting teams.

Mexico presents a more practical option geographically, with Mexico City and Monterrey often mentioned as potential host cities. Still, expansion there would likely require the construction of a dedicated NFL stadium, as the largest existing venues are primarily designed for soccer and already heavily in use.

EA Sports has developed the Madden NFL video game for decades. Recently, the company announced a new deal with the NFL to extend their partnership through the 2030 season. However, there’s one crucial signature still missing: the NFL Players Association’s.

The NFLPA has yet to reach an agreement with EA Sports, and according to Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, both sides are currently “far apart” in negotiations. That’s a serious problem for both the league and the game’s future sales.

No NFLPA deal, no party for EA Sports

Why is the NFLPA’s approval so important? Because the union holds the licensing rights for every player in the league. Without a deal, EA Sports could still feature all 32 NFL teams — but none of the real players.

The current agreement between EA Sports and the NFLPA runs through the 2027 season (separate from the league’s deal that lasts until 2030). There’s still time to reach a new deal, but the clock is ticking fast.

While fans might still enjoy playing with their favorite NFL teams, the experience wouldn’t be the same without the actual players. Under NFLPA rules, EA Sports cannot use players’ names, images, or likenesses without an active licensing agreement.

So, what would that look like? For example, Madden could still include the Buffalo Bills — but Josh Allen’s name, appearance, and stats would all have to be changed to avoid legal trouble with the NFLPA.

It’s highly likely both sides will eventually reach an agreement, with EA Sports probably giving in to most of the union’s demands. If not, Madden sales could drop dramatically, as fans won’t be happy controlling their favorite teams with completely fake rosters.

Bad Bunny is currently one of the top artists in the world, and the NFL is well aware of his global appeal. Despite the criticism over featuring a Latin artist in the halftime show, the league has decided to ignore the naysayers and proceed with him as the main performer.

“It’s carefully thought through,” Roger Goodell said. “I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching.”

Why is the NFL facing backlash over selecting Bad Bunny for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show?

Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, is a 31-year-old Puerto Rican artist who primarily sings in Spanish. As an American league, the NFL’s audience is mostly English-speaking, and the language difference has caused some fans to voice complaints.

In 2020, the NFL featured Colombian singer Shakira as the main performer in the Super Bowl. However, she performed most of her set in English, which avoided controversy among fans.

According to Roger Goodell, he expects Bad Bunny to perform his songs in Spanish and will not ask him to make any changes simply because the show is taking place in the United States.

Bad Bunny, a blockbuster decision for the NFL

Bad Bunny is one of the most renowned male artists in the world. He is a reggaeton singer from Puerto Rico, a country where music reflects the culture, social and political issues, and traditions.

He is currently on a world tour called “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (which translates to “I Should’ve Taken More Pictures”), named after his latest album. As of today, the tour features more than 55 dates.

Saudi Arabia has taken over sports. The country started with boxing, mixed martial arts, and lately, flag football. However, it doesn’t end there, as prince Turki Alalshikh said the country is really interested in bringing the NFL to his country, something commissioner Roger Goodell might need to consider.

Speaking to David Hellier of Bloomberg.com on Thursday, Alalshikh said, “Britain got it, Brazil got it. Hopefully, Saudi Arabia will be next.” While the NFL hasn’t voiced any reaction to the statement, Roger Goodell has make it clear they want the NFL to be a global brand.

Having said that, it seems like Saudi Arabia is not exactly on the radar… for now. Hellier reported that the NFL’s recent program assigns specific countries to specific franchises for marketing purposes. That program doesn’t include Saudi Arabia.

What Turki wants, Turki gets

When you are ambitious, smart and have basically unlimited amounts of money, you can get a lot of things done in life. Turki’s focus is on sports and now that he has great relationships in boxing and mixed martial arts, it seems like football is his next target.

The money Turki has would mean two things. First, the country is more than capable of hosting an all-time show when welcoming the NFL for a game. Second, it’s imperative for the NFL to send two top-tier franchises. When Turki puts money on something, he expects great results, hence his boxing bouts feature the biggest names, and UFC events in Saudi Arabia also have blockbuster cards.

There’s a possibility to do something great here

Saudi Arabia’s money comes mainly from oil… If only there was an NFL team that could relate. The Tennessee Titans could turn back the clock and use a retro vibe to when they were the Oilers. It would be great for marketing.

Now, the Titans aren’t exactly a top team right now in the NFL but if you do the Oilers’ reversal and put a juggernaut against them, the game would sell incredibly well. It could be an absolute show.

A few days ago, it was announced that Tom Brady, along with several other NFL stars, will participate in a flag football event in Saudi Arabia in 2026. Naturally, this raised concerns within the league.

Rumors suggest that Saudi Arabia could be preparing to establish a professional flag football league featuring retired stars. In response, Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken steps to ensure the NFL does not fall behind amid these developments.

Roger Goodell unveils plan to expand flag football with NFL support

The NFL has made efforts to promote flag football in recent years. However, the latest news from Saudi Arabia prompted the league to intensify its commitment to developing the sport.

It was recently revealed that Tom Brady, Saquon Barkley, Sean Payton, and several other football stars will participate in a flag football game in Saudi Arabia next year. This move hinted at the country’s potential plans to create a league featuring retired stars in the near future.

In response to these rumors, Roger Goodell acted decisively. The Commissioner announced that, ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the NFL will launch a professional flag football league.

“We’re committed to creating a women’s professional league, and a men’s professional flag league,” Goodell said, via the Associated Press. “We’ve had a great deal of interest in that and I expect that we’ll be able to do that, launch that, in the next couple of years.

“The demand is there. We’re seeing colleges in the states and universities internationally also that want to make it a part of their program. “If you set that structure up where there’s youth leagues, going into high school, into college and then professional, I think you can develop a system of scale. That’s an important infrastructure that we need to create.”

Will NFL stars play in the flag football league?

Many NFL players have expressed interest in participating in flag football at the upcoming Summer Olympics. With the creation of a professional league, the chances of seeing them compete in this discipline appear even greater.

If the NFL’s professional flag football league overlaps with the Olympics, it will likely be impossible for active players to participate in both. However, if the schedules do not conflict, it could provide an opportunity for current or former NFL players to take the field and stay in rhythm while promoting the sport.

With the Steelers and Vikings set to play in Ireland in Week 4, Commissioner Roger Goodell used the occasion to discuss the NFL’s international expansion plans for the future.

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com, Goodell wants the league to host 16 international games per year, with all 32 teams playing at least one game outside the United States each season.

16 international NFL games — is it possible?

The NFL has grown significantly in recent years. Roger Goodell has worked hard to bring the game closer to international fans, and now he has set forth an even bigger plan to expand the league’s global footprint.

Goodell’s main objective is clear: 16 games outside the United States, with every team taking part. While the plan is ambitious, he believes it’s achievable.

In 2025, the NFL will play seven games abroad. The United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, Brazil, and Germany were chosen as hosts this season, but Goodell insists there are even more destinations on the horizon.

The Commissioner revealed that Australia will host its first-ever game in 2026, while Mexico is also expected to welcome the league back next year after a four-year absence. More international venues mean more opportunities to involve all 32 franchises.

The idea of each team playing at least one international game doesn’t sound far-fetched. However, the logistics are very different. Traveling to Mexico City is not the same as flying across the world to Australia, and those distances could affect whether all teams embrace the plan.

Will the NFL return to Mexico City in 2026?

One of the biggest questions about the NFL’s international series revolves around Mexico City. The Mexican fanbase has long awaited another regular-season game, and signs point to a return in 2026.

The Estadio Azteca is currently under renovation for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins in June. That timeline means the stadium should be ready for the next NFL season and could once again host a game—potentially featuring the Cowboys as one of the teams.

It will be a historic occasion, as it marks the first time the pigskin will fly over Irish soil. Both Tomlin’s squad and O’Connell’s team have, in a way, been given the privilege of being part of this landmark event.

During a recent conversation with the media, Goodell shared an interesting comment about the upcoming game, noting that—according to the commissioner himself—Pittsburgh was one of the teams that pushed the hardest to make this event happen.

“We wanted to bring the real thing because our fans understand that,” he said, per Jason Mackey. “The Steelers were pushing us very hard to come here. … This is a game people in the United States would want to see. I think it’s important to bring the best product.”

A league in expansion

The NFL is dramatically expanding its international footprint, moving beyond its established strongholds in the UK, Germany, and Mexico with an ambitious multi-continent schedule.

In a clear signal of its global intentions, the league is set to host regular-season games in new territories, including a historic first game in Dublin, Ireland, at Croke Park, a highly anticipated debut at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, and a return to South America with a key matchup in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This push represents the league’s most aggressive effort yet to transform American football into a truly global sport, targeting massive new fan bases and revenue streams by bringing the live, regular-season action to iconic venues across the world.

Crucial matchup for Steelers and Vikings

The historic clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin’s Croke Park this Sunday is shaping up as a must-win for both 2-1 squads.

For the Steelers, a victory is crucial to legitimize their early success and prove their revamped offense can handle a top-tier defense, a key step in their AFC North campaign.

For the Vikings, who face an unprecedented second-straight international game next week, this matchup is a vital chance to confirm their defensive dominance and bank a critical win before their demanding global road trip impacts their NFC playoff push. The result of this game will be a definitive early-season statement for whichever team emerges victorious.

The NFL is constantly looking to grow its business. More money, more mouth-watering moves to become a more global, better product. Part of that falls on the Super Bowl, which is the biggest game in American sports. Commissioner Roger Goodell opened up a window to bigger and more global things for the big game.

Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.com published a story regarding the fascination the NFL has with YouTube right now. There is a thought that once the next wave of broadcast-right deals come, streaming services like YouTube, Amazon or Netflix could be in the mix to get the Super Bowl.

Roger Goodell said, per Rodrigue, “anything is possible.” Goodell then added, “With a changing media landscape, the way it changes as fast as it changes, it’s certainly possible.” The talks will begin in 2026, however, the actual deal right now can be scrapped by the NFL after the 2029 season.

Goodell is in constant search of change

“The NFL has been a part of every one of those periods where I think our content has actually helped accelerate successfully those platforms [streaming services]. That’s what we want to continue to do, and streaming is clearly that.” Goodell is clearly acknowledging the fact that streaming services are here to stay and the NFL must not miss the chance to keep being a heavy presence on the platforms.

The NFL is arguably America’s most coveted sports market. The money is growing every single year, and the sport is going global now. Making the Super Bowl available on a streaming service would easily put the NFL on a global scale.

Globalizing the NFL is a priority for Goodell

For many years, there were a couple of games in London and that was it. Now, we’ve had a game in Brazil, there’s another one in Dublin, Ireland in Week 3. Then, there is a game in Berlin, Germany, two in London as tradition mandates, and one in Madrid, Spain.

Therefore, there is a clear goal to make the game a world wide sport. The NFL has been very eager to go from an American sport to a global sensation. Having six games out of the United States is a strong message. Streaming the Super Bowl is another step towards fulfilling that goal.

This year, the NFL approved Tom Brady as a part owner of the Raiders. However, his role as a football analyst for Fox Sports raised concerns within the league about potential information leaks that could benefit Las Vegas.

Several fans questioned whether Brady should continue working as an analyst given his connection to the Raiders. Nevertheless, Roger Goodell insists there is no conflict of interest with the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s current roles in the NFL.

Roger Goodell supports Tom Brady, tells NFL teams how to prevent leaks

After retiring from football, Tom Brady announced he would join Fox Sports as an analyst. But that wasn’t enough for TB12, who wanted to stay even more connected to the game than just from the broadcast booth.

A few months into retirement, Brady received an offer from Mark Davis to become a part owner of the Raiders. He accepted the proposal, though the NFL still had to give its approval.

After months of discussion, the league authorized Brady to purchase a stake in the Raiders. Still, the move has sparked controversy among other clubs because of his ongoing role as an analyst.

According to reports, some teams worry Brady could use his position at Fox Sports to gather inside information that might give the Raiders an advantage. However, Roger Goodell has publicly backed the former quarterback and reassured teams that safeguards are in place.

“Teams have the right to say whatever they want to. They don’t have to disclose any information if they think it’s a conflict of interest,” Roger Goodell told Alex Sherman of CNBC. “Teams don’t need to say anything. Sometimes they don’t say anything to somebody who’s not [a minority owner]. We get a lot of former players that are in [broadcast meetings] that are close to their former teams. I think our teams are pretty smart about saying, ‘I’m not sharing something with him.’”

What are Tom Brady’s restrictions as an analyst?

Because of his direct ties to the Raiders, Tom Brady is subject to specific restrictions to prevent any potential leaks that could favor Las Vegas.

According to ESPN, Brady:

• Will not be permitted inside another team’s facility
• Cannot attend or observe team practices
• Cannot participate in broadcast production meetings, either in person or virtually
• Cannot publicly criticize game officials
• Cannot publicly criticize other teams
• Will be subject to the NFL’s gambling policy
• Will be subject to the NFL’s anti-tampering policy

After her appearance on the New Heights podcast with her fiancé Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift dropped multiple hints about possibly performing at the next Super Bowl.

The NFL is set to unveil the artist before the end of September. Nevertheless, the league already has a Plan B in case Swift turns down the opportunity to perform at Levi’s Stadium for the season finale.

Who is the artist that could perform at Super Bowl LX?

Due to her relationship with Travis Kelce, many fans believe Taylor Swift will eventually headline a Super Bowl halftime show. Rumors even suggest she might do so in the 2026 edition.

The NFL has yet to confirm who the artist will be for this year’s halftime show. While Swift remains the strongest candidate, reports indicate the league may also have another star in mind.

According to Page Six, via Sports Business Journal, British singer Adele has been approached by the NFL for the gig. She was reportedly considered for Super Bowl LI but turned down the offer at the time.

“First of all, I’m not doing the Super Bowl,” Adele said in 2016, via PageSix.com. “I mean, that show is not about music. I can’t dance or anything like that. They were very kind, they did ask me, but I did say no.”

When will the Super Bowl LX halftime show be announced?

The NFL usually announces the halftime show in mid-September, which has already passed. Most likely, the league will reveal the artist next week or, at the latest, in early October.

For many scouts, there’s no prospect quite like Travis Hunter. The dynamic Colorado star is widely regarded as a potential franchise-changing talent—one who could shine on either side of the ball and become a future NFL superstar.

As he prepares to be a top-five pick, Hunter is already looking ahead to what comes next. One of the first people he’ll meet as a pro? Commissioner Roger Goodell. And the future NFL star has a very specific request for him on draft night.

Travis Hunter wants both of his positions recognized by Roger Goodell

Hunter has made it clear—he wants to be known for his rare two-way ability. While many question whether he’ll ultimately play cornerback or wide receiver in the pros, the Buffaloes’ Heisman finalist wants both roles acknowledged when his name is called.

Traditionally, Goodell announces each player’s name, college, and primary position. But in Hunter’s case, he wants to break that format.

“He better say wide receiver and DB,” Hunter said about how would he like Roger Goodell to call him during the 2025 NFL Draft. “I need him to say wide receiver and DB.”

Hunter has repeatedly stated he believes he can play every snap—on both offense and defense. While NFL teams might push him to focus on one position, the message is clear: Hunter wants the league, and its commissioner, to recognize his full value from Day 1.

Has anyone played two positions in the NFL?

Deion Sanders is one of the most iconic two-way players in NFL history. Primarily known as a Hall of Fame cornerback, Sanders also contributed on offense as a wide receiver and was a solid cornerback. His ability to impact the game in multiple phases made him a unique and valuable asset during his career.

Julian Edelman entered the NFL as a college quarterback but made his name as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Throughout his career, he also played defensive back in emergency situations and contributed on special teams, showcasing his adaptability and football IQ.