Exciting NFL Developments: Giants vs. Panthers in Munich
This weekend, the New York Giants will take on the Carolina Panthers in a thrilling matchup in Munich, sparking curiosity among local fans about the potential for American football to make its way to Germany’s capital city. Last November, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted that Berlin could be in line to host an NFL game, stating that the city has shown “a lot of interest” in bringing the sport to its vibrant landscape.
During a fan event in Munich on Saturday, Goodell addressed these speculations, suggesting that fans should indeed be hopeful about the possibility of a game in Berlin next season. “I usually say don’t believe rumors,” he remarked, “but in this case, I say believe them.” While the excitement is palpable, he clarified that no agreements have been finalized for the 2025 season.
This year’s games have already left a significant mark, as two German cities have previously hosted NFL events, with Frankfurt Stadium being the venue for two games in 2023. The NFL’s inaugural game in Germany took place in November 2022, featuring an exciting clash between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks at the Allianz Arena in Munich. This event was a resounding success, reportedly generating an impressive 70.2 million euros for the city.
As the anticipation builds, nearly 70,000 fans are expected to fill the sold-out Allianz Arena on Sunday, showcasing the growing popularity of American football in Germany. Goodell reiterated Saturday that the NFL’s ambition extends beyond just hosting a few games; the league aims to broaden its international schedule even further. Starting in 2025, the league plans to host eight games abroad annually, with aspirations to reach a total of 16 international games each season as the NFL transitions to an 18-game schedule.
Historically, the league increased the number of regular-season matchups from 14 to 16 in 1978, maintaining that cap until 2021 when it expanded to 17 games. Goodell has been outspoken about the potential for further expansion, emphasizing that such an increase in both domestic and international games could become a reality within the next three to five years.
