NFL Eyes UAE for Potential Regular-Season Games Amid Global Expansion
In its continuing effort to expand its global footprint, the NFL is considering playing future games in the United Arab Emirates. This bold move aligns with the league’s broader strategy to cement its presence in emerging international markets.
NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly announced on Monday that the UAE and Greece are new markets under consideration for the league’s Global Markets Program. This initiative grants select franchises marketing rights in foreign territories, fueling speculation about future games abroad.
The Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Rams now hold international marketing rights in the UAE, meaning they could soon host a game in Dubai or Abu Dhabi if the league greenlights the proposal. However, such a shift would strip home fans of a game, while time zone disparities—Dubai is 11 hours ahead of the Pacific Daylight Time zone—would make live viewing arduous for American audiences.
Despite strong interest in the region, O’Reilly remains noncommittal, emphasizing that expansion is still uncertain. “We don’t know the timing, and it’s really an if in terms of whether we’ll play a game there,” he stated.
Should the NFL proceed, it may face scrutiny akin to the NBA, which has drawn criticism for fostering ties with an autocratic UAE government. The league must now weigh the commercial appeal of expansion against potential backlash.
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