The NFL could be heading to Tokyo in the near future as the league continues expanding its international presence. Commissioner Roger Goodell recently revealed that Japan is on the league’s radar, with a regular-season game potentially coming as soon as 2027 or 2028.
Goodell discussed the possibility during an appearance on the NFL Daily podcast while in Paris ahead of the league’s first regular-season game in France. Although no official date or matchup has been announced, his comments suggest that Tokyo could become the NFL’s next major international destination.
“Tokyo is clearly on our list, whether it’s next year or the year after,” Goodell said, emphasizing the league’s interest in expanding into new markets.
NFL Continues International Expansion
The potential Tokyo game would be another major step in the NFL’s push to grow the sport beyond the United States. The league is hosting a record nine international games during the 2026 season, with matchups taking place across several countries and continents.
This year’s schedule includes games in Australia, Brazil, England, France, Spain, Germany and Mexico. The league’s successful international events have encouraged officials to explore additional locations, including markets in Asia.
One example highlighted by Goodell was the NFL’s season-opening game in Melbourne, Australia, between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. The matchup attracted approximately 100,000 fans, demonstrating the potential audience for professional football outside the United States.
The league believes international travel can be managed without significantly harming teams’ preparation, giving officials more confidence to consider additional overseas games.
Tokyo Would Bring the NFL Back to Japan
Although a regular-season game in Tokyo would be a first, the NFL has a history in Japan. The league played 14 exhibition games in the country between 1976 and 2005, introducing American football to Japanese audiences decades before its international schedule expanded.
A regular-season matchup would represent a new milestone and give the league another opportunity to build its international fan base. The Los Angeles Rams currently hold marketing rights in Japan through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, potentially making the franchise an interesting candidate for involvement.
The NFL has also approved an expansion to as many as 10 international games per season beginning in 2027, creating room for additional destinations.
For now, Tokyo remains a possibility rather than a confirmed location. However, Goodell’s comments make it clear that Japan is part of the league’s future plans. If the NFL successfully brings a regular-season game to Tokyo, it would mark another significant step in the league’s effort to become a truly global sport.
