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The NFL reigns as America’s most popular sports league, but it has no intention of stopping there. The league wants to become a truly global brand, and it’s taking major steps to make that happen. One of those steps in 2026 is the first-ever Australian International Series game. Now, it appears a future international destination may already be on the league’s radar after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft floated the idea of playing in Scotland.
A recent ESPN report indicates the NFL is receptive to Kraft’s desire for the Patriots to play in Scotland. While it won’t happen in 2026, the report suggests league officials view the idea favorably and have begun discussing it as a future possibility.
MORE: After sitting out voluntary workouts, Patriots star defender Christian Gonzalez expected to hold in
“Sources with the NFL said this isn’t an ‘active’ situation, so it would currently fall in the ‘conversation’ phase. The league views the possibility as appealing in the future, especially with [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell’s stated desire to expand the international schedule beyond the record nine games this season,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL once limited its International Series to just a handful of locations. In 2026, however, the league will play games in seven different international markets, not including previous host cities that aren’t on this season’s schedule.
Last year, Ireland became the eighth country to host an NFL International Series game. The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Minnesota Vikings on the Emerald Isle in the league’s first regular-season game there. The event was widely viewed as a success, and the NFL has already expressed interest in returning.
MORE: Lions CB Terrion Arnold could lose millions even if he’s acquitted of charges
It’s unclear how soon Scotland could join the NFL International Series. The Ireland game came together relatively quickly, thanks in part to the Steelers’ ownership group’s deep ties to the country. The league could potentially follow a similar blueprint if it decides to bring a game to Scotland.
Sep 27, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; A general overall aerial view of Croke Park. The stadium is the site of the 2025 NFL Dublin Game between the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL’s push to expand its International Series has opened the door to countless future destinations. If Scotland eventually joins the schedule, where should the league look next?
Continue reading...
A recent ESPN report indicates the NFL is receptive to Kraft’s desire for the Patriots to play in Scotland. While it won’t happen in 2026, the report suggests league officials view the idea favorably and have begun discussing it as a future possibility.
MORE: After sitting out voluntary workouts, Patriots star defender Christian Gonzalez expected to hold in
“Sources with the NFL said this isn’t an ‘active’ situation, so it would currently fall in the ‘conversation’ phase. The league views the possibility as appealing in the future, especially with [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell’s stated desire to expand the international schedule beyond the record nine games this season,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported.
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Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; From left: Los Angeles Rams president Kevin Demoff, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events and international Peter O’Reilly, Victoria minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos and NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord pose at the NFL International press conference to announce the 2026 Melbourne Game at the Super Bowl LIX Media Center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL once limited its International Series to just a handful of locations. In 2026, however, the league will play games in seven different international markets, not including previous host cities that aren’t on this season’s schedule.
Last year, Ireland became the eighth country to host an NFL International Series game. The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Minnesota Vikings on the Emerald Isle in the league’s first regular-season game there. The event was widely viewed as a success, and the NFL has already expressed interest in returning.
MORE: Lions CB Terrion Arnold could lose millions even if he’s acquitted of charges
It’s unclear how soon Scotland could join the NFL International Series. The Ireland game came together relatively quickly, thanks in part to the Steelers’ ownership group’s deep ties to the country. The league could potentially follow a similar blueprint if it decides to bring a game to Scotland.
You must be registered for see images attach
Sep 27, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; A general overall aerial view of Croke Park. The stadium is the site of the 2025 NFL Dublin Game between the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL’s push to expand its International Series has opened the door to countless future destinations. If Scotland eventually joins the schedule, where should the league look next?
Continue reading...
