NFL to explore playing a game in Middle East
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, Brazil; The NFL shield logo at midfield at the 2024 NFL Sao Paolo Game at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The NFL is exploring the possibility of playing a regular-season game in the United Arab Emirates.
Peter O'Reilly, the league's executive vice president, confirmed there is "strong interest" in hosting a game in Dubai or Abu Dhabi during a news conference on Monday at the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.
"We don't know the timing, and it's really an ‘if' in terms of whether we'll play a game there. What I will say is that's a market where there's strong interest in our game on a year-round basis. ... It's a market we'll continue to explore," O'Reilly said.
"We've done some exploratory trips there to understand the viability of a potential regular-season game in the market, but we've got more work to do there in terms of what that looks like over this next stretch."
As part of the NFL International Series, games were played in Brazil, England and Germany in 2024. All three nations are on the schedule again in 2025, along with Spain and Ireland. Australia will host a game in 2026.
The league expanded its global markets program on Monday by granting international marketing rights in the UAE to the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.
--Field Level Media
Michael Page’s UFC Exit Proves Winning Isn’t Always Enough
Mets vs. Yankees Subway Series Friday Betting Picks
- MLB Best Bets: Three Picks for Thursday’s Five-Game Slate
- Rams vs. 49ers Bet Prediction: Why Los Angeles Is the Pick in Australia
- MLB Wednesday Betting Picks: Cubs vs. Brewers, Aaron Judge and More
- Seahawks vs. Patriots Betting Pick for Super Bowl LX Rematch
- FIBA Women’s World Cup Picks: Back Team USA and Germany in Tuesday’s Action
- Dana White's Contender Series Week 5 Predictions and Picks
- Reds vs. Dodgers Prediction: Why the Dodgers Run Line Is Tuesday’s Best Bet
