Goodell Discusses NFL's First Regular-Season Game in Australia

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with CNBC Sport earlier this week about the league’s historic first regular‑season game in Australia. The conversation, which took place on a Thursday, highlighted the significance of the event for the NFL’s global expansion strategy and the growing international fan base.

The game is scheduled for Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers. It marks the first time a regular‑season NFL contest will be played outside the United States, following earlier pre‑season appearances in Mexico City and London. Goodell emphasized that the match will showcase the league’s commitment to expanding its reach and building new markets, while also underscoring the importance of maintaining the quality and competitiveness of the sport on a worldwide stage.

With the event set to draw a large local audience and extensive media coverage, the NFL anticipates that the Melbourne game will strengthen its presence in the Asia‑Pacific region and set a precedent for future international regular‑season fixtures.