NFL Futures and News: Berlin to Host a 2025 Game

Share News

NFL Futures and News

Berlin to Host NFL Regular Season Game in 2025

The NFL has announced that Berlin’s Olympiastadion will host its first-ever regular season game in 2025, marking a historic step for American football in Germany.  This event will be one of eight international games scheduled for next year, further solidifying the league’s commitment to expanding its global reach. For fans keeping an eye on NFL Futures, adding Berlin adds a dynamic new chapter to the league’s international strategy.

Multi-Year Commitment to Germany

During a press conference in Berlin, the NFL revealed that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with the German capital, ensuring at least one game per season in the country through 2029. 

According to Alexander Steinforth, the general manager of NFL Germany, up to three games will be played in Berlin during these five years. This move cements Germany as a crucial market for the league’s international growth, alongside existing venues in Munich and Frankfurt.

Germany has already hosted four NFL games: two in Frankfurt and two in Munich. The inaugural match in November 2022 saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Seattle Seahawks 21-16 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. 

Most recently, the Carolina Panthers edged out the New York Giants 20-17 at the same venue. Frankfurt’s Deutsche Bank Park hosted the Kansas City Chiefs against the Miami Dolphins in 2023 and the Indianapolis Colts against the New England Patriots in 2024.

Berlin’s Historic NFL Connection

Berlin is no stranger to American football. The city hosted five NFL preseason games during the 1990s and later became the home of the Berlin Thunder in NFL Europe during the early 2000s. Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted this history in his statement, emphasizing the city’s rich tradition in American football and its growing fan base.

Goodell noted, “We first played a preseason game at the Olympiastadion 34 years ago. Now, with nearly 20 million NFL fans in Germany, we are returning to the city in historic fashion to begin the next chapter in our relationship with Berlin.”

Boost for Berlin’s Sports and Economy

Berlin’s inclusion in the NFL’s international calendar is more than just a sporting event—it represents a significant economic and cultural opportunity. Iris Spranger, Berlin’s senator for the interior and sport, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “Our long-term collaboration with the NFL should not only excite fans in the Olympic Stadium but also give the sports metropolis of Berlin a boost.”

Spranger highlighted the potential benefits, including increased international visibility, tourism, and a positive economic impact for the city. The Olympiastadion, known for hosting world-class events, is expected to draw thousands of fans and international visitors, further enhancing Berlin’s reputation as a global sports hub.

The NFL’s Expanding Global Reach

The Berlin game is part of a broader international push by the NFL, which plans to host eight games overseas in 2025. While Germany remains a focal point, other markets are also being explored. League executive Peter O’Reilly mentioned Australia as a potential future destination, signaling the NFL’s intent to continue its global expansion.

With Germany’s rapidly growing NFL fan base and its strong tradition in American football, the league’s commitment to Berlin is a strategic move. It reinforces the NFL’s presence in Europe and opens new opportunities for fans and stakeholders.