Full Breakdown
NFL’s 2026 International Schedule Draws Player Criticism
5/15/2026, 3:00:02 AM
Core Event: Record International Slate
The NFL released a nine-game international schedule for the 2026 regular season, a record slate. Games will be staged in Melbourne, Munich, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Madrid, London (three consecutive weeks) and Mexico City. Sixteen clubs will travel abroad.
Background: Global Expansion Since 2007
Since 2007 the league has staged at least one regular-season game abroad each year, except the COVID-limited 2020 season. The previous record was seven games in five countries in 2025. Executive vice president Peter O’Reilly called the 2026 plan the league’s “most expansive and ambitious international slate yet.”
Key Figures & Perspectives
J.J. Watt, defensive tackle and CBS analyst, called the slate a traveling circus rather than an occasional showcase. San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan highlighted the 19-hour flight to Melbourne and 58 time-zone changes, noting the team must simply accept the situation. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy argued the league’s focus is on revenue growth.
Data & Travel Burden
Betting analyst Bill Speros estimated total travel at 628,873 air miles—about 25 trips around Earth. The 49ers travel 38,105 miles and cross 58 time zones; the Cleveland Browns, not slated for any overseas game, will travel 9,073 miles.
Official Statements
Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s commitment to becoming a global sport, describing overseas games as a way to bring fans closer to football. NFL executives signaled a desire to increase the slate to 16 games if an 18-game season is adopted.
Criticism & Opposition
Players and fans say the expanding schedule threatens health, disrupts the season’s rhythm, and prioritizes revenue. Critics note early-morning kickoff times and view owners as “greedy” in pursuing growth.
Conflicting Views
Sources disagree on moving to 16 international games and an 18-game season. The NFLPA can block the increase; owners have hinted at a lockout. No consensus exists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “International game slate is nearing the realm of traveling circus as opposed [to] occasional showcase.” — J.J. Watt, defensive tackle, CBS analyst
- “I think we're going back in time or into the future. I think we gained a day or lose a day, I'm not really sure. But, it is what it is, we'll deal with it.” — Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers head coach
- “Van Noy wrote, “It’s all they care about in my opinion because it’s the biggest growth which means money.” — Kyle Van Noy, Baltimore Ravens linebacker
- “We are serious about being a global sport,” — Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner
Outlook
The league continues to explore expanding the international slate to 16 games and an 18-game regular season. Ongoing NFLPA-owner talks will decide if the schedule’s growth proceeds.
