TOUCHING DOWN WORLDWIDE

NFL'S GLOBAL REACH INCLUDES 183 MILLION FANS PLUS SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL PLAYER PROGRAMS—AND IT'S NOT STOPPING THERE

- by EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL

AMERICA'S GAME DOESN'T JUST belong to the United States anymore. In the 105 years since the National Football League was founded, the game has grown beyond the border to reach a global fan base.

In recent years, fan sentiment has only strengthened, a 2025 QuestBrand by The Harris Poll survey found, driven by the momentum of its active fan base, which has increased by 10 million since 2021.

"The NFL has done so many smart things to engage fans worldwide," former ABC, CBS, NBC and ESPN sideline reporter Michele Tafoya told Newsweek. "Changing up the jersey designs has kept fans intrigued about what their favorite teams might be wearing next. Limiting the number of games per week has kept fans hungry. Testing the international waters has brought more eyeballs to the game."

According to the NFL's own numbers, the league has 183 million fans globally in nine measured markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Spain, France, Mexico and the U.K.). Behind the U.S., Mexico is the league's next-largest fandom with close to 40 million fans, followed closely by Brazil (36 million).

Zoom out and the numbers get larger. NFL media reaches over 195 countries and territories, with more than 80 media partners, sharing content in over 25 languages.

The NFL credits part of that success to its international players. More than 85 foreign-born players recorded a snap in 2024, and a 17th practice squad spot on all 32 NFL teams is designated for an international player.