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Goodell Signs Extension, Sets 2026–2027 International Game Targets

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 3:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Goodell Expands NFL

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell oversaw the league’s first regular-season game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams.
Goodell signed a four-year extension through March 2031, marking his 20th season as commissioner.
He targets nine international games in 2026 and ten in 2027, the CBA’s maximum per season.
Goodell said the NFL may rework media-rights packages and could eventually add a European division, with no timetable.

Summary

Goodell dons kangaroo

Netflix streamed the Rams-49ers season opener from Melbourne, the NFL’s first regular-season game broadcast abroad.
Commissioner Roger Goodell wore a kangaroo-head hooded coat during the Netflix pre-game show.
Host Elle Duncan presented the coat as the MVP’s ceremonial garment, prompting cheers and social-media criticism.
Netflix’s NFL schedule also features a Thanksgiving Eve game on Nov. 25 between the Packers and Rams.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL’s first regular-season game outside the United States—a 2005 Mexico City matchup that drew 103,467 fans—the league approved two annual international contests in 2007, debuting with the Giants-Dolphins game at Wembley. Building on that London breakthrough, Commissioner Roger Goodell’s 2024 Melbourne kickoff, streamed by Netflix and featuring the Rams-49ers, extends the overseas schedule to Asia.

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Goodell Expands NFL

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell oversaw the league’s first regular-season game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams.
Goodell signed a four-year extension through March 2031, marking his 20th season as commissioner.
He targets nine international games in 2026 and ten in 2027, the CBA’s maximum per season.
Goodell said the NFL may rework media-rights packages and could eventually add a European division, with no timetable.

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