The NFL’s first regular-season game at the MCG could clash with the opening week of next year’s AFL finals series.
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said at Thursday morning’s (AEDT) announcement that the league has not settled on when the match will be played in 2026, but it could be in week one of their season.
Given the NFL starts in the first week of September, that would mean it comes up against the opening round of the AFL’s finals series.
Next year’s game will be the first time the NFL has played a regular-season game in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Los Angeles Rams have been confirmed as the host team and their opposition will reportedly be the Philadelphia Eagles.
It is a multi-year deal as the league continues its international expansion.
The LA Rams are coming to Australia in 2026, for a regular-season NFL match at the MCG.Credit: Getty Images
“Expanding to Melbourne, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.
“Together with the Victorian state government … we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint.”
The announcement was made in New Orleans, which will host the Super Bowl next Monday morning.
Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata will become the first Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team if they beat the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia narrowly lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago.
“We’re thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular season NFL game,” said Victorian premier Jacinta Allan.
“It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American football played at the iconic MCG.”
The league made its first foray into South America at the beginning of this season with a game in Sao Paulo.
As of the 2025 season, the NFL can schedule up to eight league-operated regular-season games internationally.
London will host three games next season — two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium. The Browns and the New York Jets are the home teams at Tottenham, and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley.
The Colts are the home team for a game in Berlin at Olympic Stadium, and the Miami Dolphins will be the hosts at Real Madrid ’s venue.
AAP, AP
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