NFL plans first regular-season game in Melbourne

The NFL will inaugurate its first game in Australia in Melbourne this season, with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers competing as part of a record nine international regular-season games in 2026. The schedule also includes debuts in Rio de Janeiro and Paris, along with events in London, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City, as the league pursues global growth. The Rams hold marketing rights in Australia and will serve as the de facto home team, as the league considers expanding to up to 16 international games and potentially establishing a permanent overseas franchise in the future. NFL executives say the expansion is driven by efforts to grow the game globally and build sustained partnerships in international markets via the Global Markets Program. Travel logistics are shaping planning, with emphasis on week-one games in Australia to minimize back-to-back travel, and discussions with local partners like the AFL and MCG to accommodate ongoing events. The multi-year deal with Victoria supports ongoing NFL games in Australia with a goal of annual or near-annual appearances and possible additional games as inventory allows.