In 2025, Berlin will welcome its first regular season NFL game, expanding the league’s International Series. The match is scheduled to take place at the historic Olympiastadion, which also hosts Hertha Berlin and was a venue for events like the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming 2024 UEFA European Championship finals. This game marks Berlin’s debut in hosting an NFL regular season match as part of a multi-year initiative aimed at growing the NFL’s presence in Germany, which has seen games previously held in Munich and Frankfurt since 2022.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized Germany’s significant American football culture and the NFL’s long-standing relationship with Berlin, dating back to a preseason game held 34 years ago. With an estimated 20 million NFL fans in Germany, this regular season event is expected to enhance the league’s engagement with its international audience. Berlin’s interior and sports senator, Iris Spranger, highlighted the anticipated economic benefits and increased tourism that the NFL game will bring, reinforcing the city’s status as a global sports hub.
The NFL International Series has already staged multiple games in Munich, including a matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, and another where the Carolina Panthers defeated the New York Giants in 2024. Frankfurt has also hosted two games, showcasing the league’s commitment to growing its footprint in Germany. The upcoming game in Berlin will be the fifth regular season NFL game in the country, underscoring an increasing appetite for American football across Europe.
Berlin’s selection as a host city for an NFL regular season game in 2025 is a significant milestone in the league’s international expansion efforts. This strategic move not only enriches the sports culture in Germany but also amplifies economic activities through increased tourism. With a rich tradition of American football in the region, the NFL aims to strengthen its relationship with German fans and capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport.
