Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, has announced that the league plans to hold 16 games outside the United States within the next five years, and also transition to an 18-game regular season.

"We anticipate hosting 16 games internationally within five years and are considering changing the current format from 17 regular season and three preseason games to 18 regular season and two preseason games. This change will open up more opportunities for global play," Goodell stated during 'Sports Business' at the annual 'Liberty Media' investors meeting.

"I have no doubt that London and a couple of markets in Germany could support an NFL franchise. The fan base is there. Sponsorship, licensing—all the fundamentals are in place. The media market is rapidly catching up for us. The biggest challenge is ensuring competitiveness," the commissioner added.

The last time the NFL expanded its schedule was in 2021, increasing from 16 to 17 games played over 18 weeks, with each team having a bye week.

Last weekend, Goodell announced that the NFL will hold eight international games in the 2025 season.

In addition to Madrid, Spain, and London, England, the confirmed host countries include Mexico City, which will see the NFL's return after a two-year hiatus, and Brazil.

For the 2024 season, the league has scheduled five international games, starting with a historic first game in São Paulo, Brazil, the first to be played in South America, followed by three games in London and one in Munich.