The NFL’s international fandom has experienced more than 50% growth in recent years.
Most of the credit goes to the launching of the Global Markets Program. The program awards the NFL club based on their international fan base beyond the US.
The international streaming of NFL games and increased access to games have expanded the league’s reach.
Over the years, Wembley Stadium, UK, has hosted many international series games since 2007.
To date, Wembley Stadium, UK has hosted most of the NFL international games, with Mexico and Germany being other venues.
In 2015, the NFL and Tottenham Hotspur FC announced a partnership for almost a decade to host international games.
Besides, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and many more have hosted games. These international series games allowed global fans to understand the sport.
However, streaming got easier, easing access to all the games. Using a VPN remains an option.
Moreover, DAZN’s NFL Game Pass has allowed fans to stream Super Bowl pretty much everywhere.
International fans have particularly shown interest in the Chiefs and 49ers among all the NFL teams.
ESPN reports revealed that Canada is the top nation with most NFL searches outside the U.S. since 2004.
Superstars NFL players like Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have many international fans. The ‘Taylor Swift Effect‘ has drawn even more viewership into the league.
However, there seem to be no immediate plans for an international Super Bowl until 2028.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned hosting would be possible if international franchises were established.
Following The Game: What Are The Streaming Options For The International NFL Fans?
The Super Bowl LIX takes place on February 10, and the DAZN NFL Game Pass is the best option for international viewership.
As the NFL continues to look to expand its global reach, viewing the regular game has become more easy.
Local broadcasters have begun showing games in most countries like the UK, France, Germany, and Australia.
Though game viewership has gotten easier, they don’t stream all the games regularly.
Sky Sports and My5 stream Monday Night Football in the UK, excluding other days’ games. Fans have fewer options except for cable television.
In France, least sources besides beIN Sports provide extensive game broadcasting.
RTL+ & Nitro offers at least two free live streams every Sunday in Germany. However, games beyond Sunday aren’t available on TV.
Options For International Viewership
NFL Game Pass International
The game pass is available in over 150 counties, excluding the US and China. The service can be accessed through DAZN in several regions.
It provides access to all 272+ games, including preseason, regular-season, playoff games, and the Super Bowl.
DAZN
DAZN offers NFL Game Pass International with all the live and on-demand coverage of every regular-season game.
It also includes the playoff match, but viewers need to pay additional fees for the Super Bowl.
The service is available on smartphones, tablets, and Xbox, but depends on the service bought. They offer multiple plans for a wide range of viewers.
NFL Network & Peacock
For international games specifically, the NFL Network broadcasts London and Germany games. Peacock streams the games exclusively in Brazil.
YouTube TV, Fubo, and many others stream international games without cable subscriptions.
Reports suggest that the Pittsburgh Steelers would play Ireland’s first-ever NFL game in Croke Park, Dublin.
The dates, opponents, and streaming options aren’t set. However, the ticket pricing shall go higher, due to high demand.
American Forces Network (AFN)
AFN provides live streaming of all regular-season games for military personnel outside the US.
It also includes postseason coverage for those stationed abroad.
With multiple streaming options, international fans can easily follow their favorite NFL team’s game. The league plans for the 2025-2026 season could change, as it isn’t predefined.
History of NFL International Efforts
The first-ever international NFL game was an exhibition game played against the Ottawa Rough Riders in Canada.
The 1950 exhibition game was one of the NFL’s earliest forays into international play.
Later in 1976, the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Chargers participated in the Japan Bowl, in Tokyo.
Though games were played before, this is widely considered the NFL’s first official international game.
However, the Cardinals played the 49ers in October 2005 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This is the first-ever regular season game played outside of North America.
Top Searched NFL Teams Outside The US, Google Trends
- Kansas City Chiefs
- San Francisco 49ers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Buffalo Bills
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Miami Dolphins
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Google Trends reports suggest that NFL searches outside the US have spiked 240% over the past few years. The graph shows a rising trend.
