Bruce Dias 
The NFL is the richest sports league in the world. By far. Among the various reasons for this success, one of the most important, if not the most relevant, is its ability to sell its product everywhere in the world. The NFL International Series, created 20 years ago, has been a resounding triumph. A league where all the franchises are located in the United States and in which almost all the players are American organizes matches in the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Spain and, starting next year, also in Australia. Wherever these superstars play, the game is sold out. The league has broken all geographical boundaries and NFL enthusiasts live anywhere in the world.
Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, would like to play 10 games abroad each year, covering as many states as possible. Wherever the league plays, it sets up a full weekend of events: from markets selling all kinds of merchandise to meet and greets with analysts and players. These side events are a must for fans and enthusiasts, who always see their favourite players only through a screen. The arena chosen in Australia is the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The decision has been made after examining several stadiums. The NFL wants a huge venue, with many seatings and a comfortable parking area. But this is not enough. The league needs space to set stores, markets and tailgating areas for fans coming from all over the country.
The NFL arriving down under will have a significant global impact, helping the league expand further into international markets. This is largely due to the sport’s strong following, with around 6.5 millions fans in Australia alone. Obviously, in Melbourne there will also be enthusiasts coming from New Zealand. The match will attract widespread attention. For those unable to attend in person or watch from home it will be possible to stay updated remotely, by checking betting odds and news on a platform like Sportsgrid, which take each and every fan in the middle of the action, posting news, information and stats every few seconds. It’s not the same feeling one can feel while watching a game, of course, but it’s a quick and complete way of staying up to date with whatever happens on the gridiron.
The Nfl In Australia, A Multiyear Commitment
The league commitment to Australia is a serious deal, showing how the NFL would really like to grow its market down under. As Goodell and his staff continue to take international games around the world, it comes as no surprise that Australia is the next country chosen to host a season game. The reason to go with Melbourne over the more mundane Sydney is not only due to the presence of the Cricket Ground. The city is the sport capital of the country, with a lot of passionate rugby, cricket and football fans living there and breathing competition all year round.
Melbourne could very well become an American football city outside the States, such as London, where a lot of enthusiasts from all over Europe gather to watch live NFL games without any need to visit the US and pay all the expenses of an intercontinental flight.
The Los Angeles Rams are the first designated team to play down under
We still don’t know what the first Australian match-up will be but we do know that one of the franchises involved is from Los Angeles. The Rams hold marketing rights in Australia as part of the league’s Global Markets Program. This initiative awards international marketing rights to a specific franchise to build brand awareness and fandom beyond US borders. It makes sense that LA has been chosen to expand down under because of the important role the city plays in serving as a gateway to Australia and many other countries across the Pacific. In conclusion, there’s a reason more to look forward to the next seasons, especially for people living in Australia or not far from the island.
