NFL Ranks 6 Cities for Future Overseas Teams as Goodell Says Expansion Is Inevitable
Updated
Updated · SB Nation · Aug 19
NFL Ranks 6 Cities for Future Overseas Teams as Goodell Says Expansion Is Inevitable
3 articles · Updated · SB Nation · Aug 19
Summary
Six cities were ranked as potential homes for permanent NFL franchises after Roger Goodell said he has "no doubt" teams will eventually be based outside the United States.
Toronto topped the list because travel hurdles are minimal and Canada already has deep football infrastructure through the CFL; Mexico City ranked second for similar logistical ease and proven fan demand.
London and Munich were judged viable on market strength and stadium readiness, but long-haul travel, scheduling strain and divisional alignment remain major obstacles to any European team.
Rio de Janeiro and Melbourne rounded out the list, with safety concerns cited in Brazil and Australia dismissed largely because distance and seasonal mismatch make a franchise impractical.
Goodell's latest remarks go further than earlier comments that international teams were "very likely," reinforcing overseas expansion as a long-term NFL priority beyond one-off games abroad.