While the 2025 season saw seven games being hosted abroad, it could very well expand to nine games for the 2026 season.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has been vocal about the international expansion.

Most recently, he appeared on the Amon-Ra St.Brown and his brother Equanimeous St.Brown podcast. where he made the startling declaration that they are planning to add an international team to the NFL.

Recently, the Detroit Lions broke the news that they would be going to Munich, and the reaction among fans was mixed. Many fans felt that a home game was being taken away from them.

Goodell, however, does not seem perturbed. Speaking on the St. Browns podcast, he said, “Initial reaction when we started this series was the fans looked at this as — you’re taking a game away from our fans here. I think it’s changed a lot."

He also said that there is a possibility of establishing an international franchise. He mentioned cities like Mexico City and Toronto would be easier options to set this up, but has also evaluated England and Germany as potential options.

He added on this matter, “Could you put two teams in each of those markets? I think you probably could. So you could have a four-team division, but there may be other markets you want to go to," he said.

Fans not thrilled with the Roger Goodell and the NFL’s expansion plans

Fans who already are getting used to their home games now being held abroad were in for a rude shock as the commissioner announced the possibility of an international franchise.

Fans feel like football should stay an American sport, and that moving to Europe is only going to make matters worse.

“Goodell and the greedy NFL owners are gonna ruin our great game,” one frustrated fan wrote.

Another fan evaluated the idea of a young college player getting drafted into one of those teams and how they would move abroad.

“I don't think there is any singular thing the NFL could do that would be worse. I get that the NFL and NHL have Toronto. But look, if I'm a college player getting drafted, ain't no way I'm moving to another country based on no choice of my own. Good luck getting free agents, too,” the fan noted.

Others just straight out disregarded this. Another fan did not mince words writing, “Terrible idea, hate it.”

“Goodell is ruining the NFL”, another fan chimed in.

What do you think of the NFL commissioner’s plans to expand internationally? Do you think this is good for the sport, or is it only going to spell trouble?

Let us know in the comments and read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker