6 international NFL landing spots, ranked
Key Points:
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell affirmed that having NFL teams permanently located outside the United States is inevitable, signaling a strong commitment to international expansion as part of his legacy.
- Toronto, Canada, is the top candidate for expansion due to proximity, existing football culture with the CFL, and minimal travel complications, potentially fitting into the AFC East division.
- Mexico City is a strong second choice, with successful NFL games already held there and manageable travel logistics, possibly joining the NFC West to foster regional rivalries.
- London and Munich are appealing for their fan bases and stadium infrastructure, but significant travel challenges and divisional alignment issues make permanent teams there complicated.
- Other cities like Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne face major obstacles such as socioeconomic instability and extreme travel distances, making them less viable for permanent NFL teams.