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Roger Goodell Says NFL Could Play in Tokyo in 2027 or 2028
The commissioner put Tokyo on the league’s list while discussing international growth; no game, teams or firm year have been announced.
Roger Goodell says Tokyo is under consideration for a future NFL game, potentially in 2027 or 2028. The commissioner discussed the possibility Friday during an NFL Daily conversation from Paris, according to NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman.
“Tokyo is clearly on our list, whether it’s next year or the year after,” Goodell said. No teams, venue, date or firm year were announced.
The discussion comes as the league prepares for Sunday’s Steelers–Saints game in Paris. The NFL has nine games outside the United States this season, with Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro and Paris making their debuts as host cities.
Goodell cited the Melbourne game as evidence that the league can reach supporters across time zones. He said the NFL continues to learn from travel arrangements while pursuing international growth.
Japan has hosted NFL exhibitions, most recently a Falcons–Colts preseason game in 2005. Tokyo would be a new regular-season destination. The Rams currently hold marketing rights in Japan under the league’s Global Markets Program.
