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NFL Unveils 2026 Global Nine-Game Schedule, 628k Miles Travel

5/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The NFL announced a nine-game schedule for 2026, games in Melbourne, Munich, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Madrid, London and Mexico City.
Analyst Bill Speros calculated total travel will reach 628,873 miles, 25 Earth trips.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said his team will travel 38,105 miles across 58 zones.
J.J. Watt posted on May 13, 2026, calling the slate a “traveling circus,” as Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league aims to be global.

History

Historical Context

After the old Wembley hosted occasional NFL exhibitions in the 1980s, the league staged its first regular-season game in Europe on 28 October 2007, when the New York Giants beat the Miami Dolphins before 81,176 spectators. Commissioner Roger Goodell’s 2009 expansion comments paved the way for today’s nine-game 2026 international slate, extending beyond London to cities such as Munich and Mexico City.

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Story summary

The NFL announced a nine-game schedule for 2026, games in Melbourne, Munich, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Madrid, London and Mexico City.
Analyst Bill Speros calculated total travel will reach 628,873 miles, 25 Earth trips.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said his team will travel 38,105 miles across 58 zones.
J.J. Watt posted on May 13, 2026, calling the slate a “traveling circus,” as Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league aims to be global.

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