The NFL is actively evaluating Tokyo as a host city for a regular-season game, with league officials eyeing a potential debut in the Japanese capital as early as 2027 or 2028. Roger Goodell confirmed the league’s interest in expanding into the Japanese market during an appearance on the program NFL Daily, noting that Tokyo remains a primary target for the league’s ongoing international growth strategy.
Goodell’s timeline for expansion into Japan
While the NFL has not yet finalized a date for a game in Tokyo, Commissioner Goodell indicated that the project could move forward within the next two years. This aligns with comments made by the commissioner at the Fanatics Fest in July, where he first publicly signaled his intent to bring a regular-season contest to Japan. The move would represent a significant escalation in the league’s international footprint, shifting from occasional exhibition games to high-stakes, official standings-impacting matchups.
The precedent of international success
League officials are encouraged by the reception of recent international fixtures, specifically the game held in Melbourne, Australia, featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. According to the league, that event drew approximately 100,000 spectators on a Friday morning, providing the NFL with data suggesting that long-distance travel does not inherently disadvantage the participating clubs. This successful logistical experiment has reportedly reinforced the league’s confidence in pursuing further expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
A return to Japanese soil
The NFL is no stranger to Japan, having hosted 14 preseason games in the country between 1976 and 2005. The most recent of these featured the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts. However, a regular-season game would be a milestone for the league, as no official, non-exhibition contest has ever been played in Japan. Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president for club business, international, and league events, has confirmed that the league is currently studying the addition of a tenth international game to the schedule as soon as 2027, with the Asian market serving as a focal point for this growth.
Growth within the collective bargaining agreement
The league’s ability to expand is governed by its current collective bargaining agreement, which permits up to ten regular-season games to be played outside the United States annually. The league has already confirmed a full international slate for the 2026 season, which includes nine games and a historic matchup in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints. As the league approaches the ten-game limit, Tokyo remains a leading candidate to secure a spot on the future international calendar.
Questions regarding the potential Tokyo game
Has an official date for a game in Tokyo been announced?
No. While Roger Goodell has identified 2027 or 2028 as potential windows for a game, the league has not yet confirmed a specific date or participating teams.
What is the history of NFL games played in Japan?
Between 1976 and 2005, the NFL organized 14 preseason games in Japan. The 2005 matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts was the last time the league played in the country.
How many international games does the NFL plan to host in 2026?
The league has scheduled nine international regular-season games for the 2026 season, including a previously announced game in Paris.
