The Detroit Lions are heading to Germany for a home game in 2026. While the team's front office celebrated the international move, many fans are calling it a betrayal. They feel robbed of a chance to see their team play at Ford Field.

Speaking to the press, Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood said, "We are thrilled to be playing internationally and specifically in Munich for the 2026 season. As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans."

This is part of the NFL's plan to expand the sport's global appeal.

The NFL is scheduled to host nine games internationally in the upcoming 2026 season. Many games are said to be played in iconic stadiums like the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid and the Stade de France in Paris. Australia will also be hosting its first-ever NFL game at the MCG in Melbourne.

International expansion is going to be a priority for the NFL. “I think at some point, if our international growth continues the way it is, I can see international growth on an international basis and in some of these markets, which they're undoubtedly even today," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said about the NFL’s plans to expand into international markets.

The Lions front office and squad seem excited at the prospect of playing in front of their German fans and in the Allianz Arena. However, the same can’t be said for the Lions fans, who have expressed their disappointment since the news was announced on Feb 24.

Fans Don't Want to Lose a Home Game

Fans who wanted to watch the Lions at Ford Field were disappointed to lose a home game.

One fan wrote, “So the NFL is shipping U.S. teams to Europe while American fans struggle to get tickets and watch games at home? Makes sense—why prioritize the fans who actually pay for the sport when you can chase international “expansion” money?”

The fan isn't wrong. Back in 2023, when they held the first game in Munich, they found out the NFL fans in Europe spent 333 euros, which was significantly higher than the 225 euros a Munich visitor would.

Another fan agreed. “For what, though? Why steal a game from the home team?” But it's not just a home game being taken away. It will be inconvenient for American fans. The games will also be televised in the morning for American fans, who are not happy with the time slot.

“Please just create a Euro league and leave the American teams to play here. None of your American fans enjoys waking up at 6:30 am to watch football. And none of the players appreciate being shipped across the globe in the middle of their season,” one frustrated fan chimed in.

But the idea for the same was quickly shot down by another. "Nfl Europe failed in the 90s why are we doing this again." This fan referred to the NFL Europe that launched in the 1990s. While it gave rise to a few European powerhouses, the league eventually failed.

One fan ended it with, "Football is an American sport, Europe can only ruin it."

It looks like we can expect more international games in the future as well. What do you think of the Detroit Lions heading to Munich? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar