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NFL Owners Vote to End International Home-Game Blocking Rule

5/21/2026

Summary

NFL Owners End

NFL owners voted Tuesday to end teams’ right to block any of nine home games from international selection.
The rule strips the privilege that let teams protect two home games and lets the league require teams to accept international assignments, though private deals may persist.
NFL executives Peter O’Reilly and Mike North said the change gives schedule makers flexibility and respects international fans by preventing teams from shielding their games.

Summary

NFL Expands Globally

Owners approved raising the cap to 10 league-run international games for 2027, with the Jaguars’ Wembley game potentially making 11.
The league aims for a 16-game international slate each season, which would need an 18-game schedule.
The NFL is targeting Japan as a key Asian market for new venues after 2027.
The expansion links to a global Netflix media-rights deal and to launching men’s and women’s flag-football leagues in 2027.

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NFL Owners End

NFL owners voted Tuesday to end teams’ right to block any of nine home games from international selection.
The rule strips the privilege that let teams protect two home games and lets the league require teams to accept international assignments, though private deals may persist.
NFL executives Peter O’Reilly and Mike North said the change gives schedule makers flexibility and respects international fans by preventing teams from shielding their games.

1 / 2