NFL’s Historic Regular-Season Game in Berlin: A New Chapter for American Football in Germany
The NFL is set to play its first-ever regular-season game in Berlin in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the league’s expansion into international markets. This game will be the NFL’s fifth in Germany, following the successful regular-season games held in Munich and Frankfurt since 2022. The upcoming match is scheduled to take place at the iconic Olympic Stadium, a venue with deep historical ties to American football in Germany.
A Strong Historical Connection
The NFL has had a long-standing relationship with Germany, especially in Berlin. According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Germany boasts a rich tradition of American football, and the city of Berlin has been central to that legacy. “We first held a preseason game at the Olympic Stadium 34 years ago, before it was home to NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder in the early 2000s,” Goodell explained. “Now, with almost 20 million NFL fans in Germany, we’ll make a historic return to the city, playing a regular-season game for the first time as we open the next chapter in our relationship with Berlin.”
Between 1990 and 1994, the NFL played five American Bowl games at the Olympic Stadium, further cementing the venue’s connection to the sport. The upcoming 2025 regular-season game will be another historic moment for both the NFL and the passionate fan base in Germany.
Expanding the NFL’s International Presence
The NFL’s commitment to international expansion continues to grow, with Berlin becoming a key market in the league’s strategy. League executive Peter O’Reilly highlighted the importance of Germany as a major priority market, noting the 20 million NFL fans across the country, a number that continues to grow. “We’ve seen the passion, you’ve seen the singing. It’s an important market,” O’Reilly said.
The NFL’s goal is to play eight international regular-season games in 2025, with Berlin being a focal point in the league’s efforts. In addition to the game in Berlin, the NFL has committed to playing two regular-season games in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one game in Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid. This international expansion reflects the NFL’s strategy to bring American football to a global audience.
Building a Year-Round Partnership with Berlin
The NFL’s commitment to Berlin extends beyond just a single game. O’Reilly emphasized that the league’s partnership with the city is about more than simply staging one game; it’s a year-round collaboration. The NFL is dedicated to fostering the growth of American football within Berlin and the broader German community. One of the league’s main focuses is to promote flag football by introducing it to schools and local clubs throughout the city.
“This partnership with Berlin is not just about the game itself,” O’Reilly stated. “Like every market we go into, it’s about a year-round partnership. It’s about working with the city and the community on building flag football into schools and into clubs in that city, and that’s important for sure.”
This approach underscores the NFL’s dedication to growing the sport at the grassroots level and ensuring that the game has a lasting impact in Germany, particularly in Berlin, where American football has a deep-rooted history.
Looking Ahead: The Future of American Football in Germany
The NFL’s regular-season game in Berlin is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for American football in Germany. As the league continues to expand its international footprint, Germany—especially Berlin—will play a central role in shaping the future of the sport outside of the United States.
With a growing fan base and a rich tradition of American football, Germany is poised to become an even more integral part of the NFL’s global strategy. The 2025 game in Berlin will be a landmark moment, marking the NFL’s continued commitment to growing the sport internationally and fostering a deeper connection with fans around the world.
As the NFL prepares for this historic event, it is clear that the league’s vision for expanding its reach and cultivating new fans in Germany is stronger than ever. Fans in Berlin and beyond can look forward to witnessing the thrilling action of an NFL regular-season game in their city and becoming a part of the league’s global journey.
