NFL and NFLPA have not held substantive talks on expanding beyond 10 international games
According to two sources who spoke with Front Office Sports, the NFL and the players' union have not engaged in meaningful dialogue about scheduling more than 10 international games per season, even though the labor agreement obligates the league to get the union's sign-off before doing so. One source indicated that significant talks are unlikely to begin until NFLPA executive director JC Tretter finishes his current tour of player meetings. The NFL is playing nine international games this season across London, Paris, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Rio de Janeiro. Agents are divided on strategy, with one arguing the union should demand real concessions before agreeing to any expansion, while another contends the union should embrace more games to grow revenue.
Those games are an extra burden on players. The trip to Australia was not just an ordinary road game.
Why it matters
For brands: Brands and sponsors with international ambitions are watching closely, as more global games would create additional high-profile activation opportunities.
For coaches: Coaches and team staff would face increased logistical demands if the number of international games grows beyond current levels.
For media: Broadcasters and media rights holders stand to gain or lose depending on how many international windows are ultimately negotiated.
For athletes: NFL players would take on additional travel burdens and health risks if international games expand, and the union's negotiating position will shape what, if any, concessions they receive in return.
For collectives: Any agreement to expand international play could be bundled with broader CBA negotiations, affecting the overall labor landscape collectives operate within.
Read the full story at Front Office Sports
Sources
- Front Office Sports · Mark Maske: NFL, NFLPA Yet to Seriously Discuss Going Beyond 10 International Games