Colts named home team for NFL's first Berlin game

The Indianapolis Colts are the designated home team for the NFL's first regular-season game in Berlin in 2025.

The league confirmed the Colts are set for the game with a date and opponent at historic Olympic Stadium scheduled to be announced when the full schedule is released for 2025.

"The NFL is making history in Berlin, and the Colts are proud to be part of this landmark event in one of the world's most historic cities," Colts owner Jim Irsay said in a statement. "The NFL has become a global brand, and we're looking forward to growing American football in Germany and expanding Colts Nation's footprint around the world. This game also provides a unique opportunity for our local Indiana partners to engage with German businesses, customers and fans this season and in the future."

Four previous games in the NFL's International Series have been held in Germany, in Munich (2022, 2024) and in Frankfurt (two in 2023).

"Germany is an important market for the NFL, with continued growth in fandom and passion for the game," NFL Germany general manager Alexander Steinforth said in a statement. "After four successful international games in-market across Munich and Frankfurt, we're thrilled to have the Colts as the designated team for our first-ever regular season game in Berlin in 2025 -- a city that holds so much football history and is a true testament to the international expansion and growth of the league."

The Colts have played twice in Europe, beating the New England Patriots 10-6 in Frankfurt in 2023 and losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars 30-27at London's Wembley Stadium in 2016.

Olympic Stadium opened in 1936 for the Berlin Summer Games, where American track and field star Jesse Owens won four gold medals.

The NFL played five American Bowl games from 1990-94 at the stadium, which also served as home to the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe from 2003-07.

--Field Level Media