The NFL’s international footprint keeps getting bigger, and Scotland may be the next place to land on the league’s map.
That possibility surfaced after New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft floated the idea of bringing his team to Scotland. A recent ESPN report says the league is open to the concept, even if it is not something actively moving right now. For the moment, it remains in the discussion stage, but league officials reportedly view it as an appealing future option.
“Sources with the NFL said this isn’t an ‘active’ situation, so it would currently fall in the ‘conversation’ phase. The league views the possibility as appealing in the future, especially with [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell’s stated desire to expand the international schedule beyond the record nine games this season,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported.
That would be another step in a broader push that has already changed the look of the International Series. In 2026, the NFL is set to stage its first-ever Australian International Series game, and the league will play in seven different international markets that year. That total does not include earlier host cities that are not part of this season’s schedule.
Ireland was the latest new stop to join the mix. Last year, it became the eighth country to host an NFL International Series game when the Pittsburgh Steelers met the Minnesota Vikings in the league’s first regular-season game there. The event was widely considered a success, and the NFL has already shown interest in returning.
Exactly when Scotland could fit onto the schedule is unclear. The Ireland game was put together quickly, helped in part by the Steelers ownership group’s strong ties to the country. If the NFL decides to move forward with Scotland, it could use a similar path.
And with the league continuing to widen its international reach, Scotland may not be the last new destination on the board.
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