The NFL will debut its first-ever regular-season game in Berlin during the 2025 International Series, expanding its international reach in Germany. This announcement, made on December 11, 2024, revealed that the iconic Olympic Stadium will be the venue for this historic match-up. Previously, the league held games in Munich and Frankfurt, marking the fourth consecutive season that the NFL has featured games in Germany. The 2025 season aims to include eight international games, emphasizing the league’s commitment to global expansion. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statements indicate a strategy involving returns to Spain, Mexico City, Brazil, and potentially another game in the U.K. or Ireland. Despite the excitement, the specific teams participating in the Berlin match remain undecided and will be announced later in the offseason. International games have been part of the NFL’s strategy since 2007, aiming to tap into global markets despite disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020 season, where no games were played overseas.
The NFL’s decision to host a regular-season game in Berlin in 2025 underscores its strategy to expand internationally, following successful games in other German cities. Although team matchups for this inaugural game are still to be confirmed, the league’s ambition to include more international games next season shows its commitment to global engagement. The presence of the NFL in Germany has grown steadily, making Berlin the latest city to join this expanding international roster.
