On October 28th, 2007, Wembley Stadium in London opened its gates to the first-ever NFL game held in the United Kingdom.
It was a thrilling contest between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins that resulted in a 13-10 victory for New York before 81,176 ecstatic fans.
The success of this match marked just the start for international NFL games; following London's triumph, multiple regular-season fixtures have been held in Mexico City and Canada.
The first regular-season NFL game to be played outside the United States was the 2005 NFL International Series game between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This game still holds the record for the NFL's largest regular season attendance, with 103,467 people watching.
But the NFL International Series has become synonymous with London! NFL fans from across the U.K. travel to Wembley Stadium each year, making it one of the most attended NFL venues outside the United States.
NFL London Games 2025
In 2025, London will once again host regular NFL games! The Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, LA Rams, Jaguars, and New York Jets have all been confirmed to take part in NFL London games during the 2025 NFL Season.
The games will take place at Tottenham Hotspur's stadium – the New White Hart Lane, and Wembley Stadium.
- Minnesota Vikings v Cleveland Browns – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 5 October 2025
- Denver Broncos v New York Jets – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – 12 October 2025
- LA Rams vs Jaguars – Wembley Stadium – 19 October 2025
That means, similar to previous years, three NFL games will be hosted in London in 2025.
When are the NFL London Tickets on Sale?
Tickets for NFL London games are currently on sale and can be bought either directly from NFL UK or through official resellers such as Ticketmaster and See Tickets.
NFL UK also offers international fan experience packages, including accommodation and NFL merchandise.
Tickets for these games sell out quickly, so fans should be sure to book in advance. You can visit the official website to buy tickets.
How much are NFL tickets in London?
The NFL has announced the ticket prices for NFL London games in 2025, which range from £90 to £210 depending on which category you opt for.
More expensive packages are available that include exclusive NFL merchandise and experiences, such as meeting current and former NFL draft players.
NFL in London also has a Fans Favourite package, which includes a padded seat on either side of the 50-yard line, snacks on arrival, grazing menu throughout the day, and is inclusive of beer, wine, and soft drinks pregame, halftime, and postgame. That will set you back £639.
Next London NFL Game
The NFL London 2025 games will include three games, played in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium, and details are available on the NFL website.
The 2025 round of games is scheduled to take place between 5 October and 19 October.
Apart from London, potential venues within the United Kingdom that could host NFL games include the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, and Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, though none have yet been chosen as the company moves to further branding ‘NFL London Games'.
Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers will be held at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday, 28 September 2025 – if you fancy a jaunt across the pond!
Why Is The NFL Playing In London?
The NFL plays games in London as part of its international series, which aims to expand the popularity and global reach of American football. There are several reasons why the NFL chose to play games in London:
- Growing fan base: American football has a growing fan base in the UK and Europe, with an estimated 4 million fans in the UK alone. By playing games in London, the NFL is able to tap into this fan base and generate more interest in the sport.
- Brand exposure: Playing games in London allows the NFL to expand its brand and reach a wider audience. This helps to promote the league and its teams, as well as attract new fans and potential sponsors.
- Revenue: The NFL generates significant revenue from its international series, including ticket sales, merchandise sales, and media rights. By playing games in London and other international locations, the league is able to tap into new markets and increase its revenue streams.
Overall, the NFL's international series in London has been successful in terms of expanding the popularity and reach of American football around the world.
The series has generated significant interest and garnered extensive media coverage, helping to establish a strong fan base in the UK and Europe.
The games have also been well-attended, with sell-out crowds at Wembley Stadium and other venues.
As a result, the NFL has continued to expand its international series and explore new markets around the world.
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NFL Franchise For London?
The NFL has expressed a desire to expand its international presence and has stated that it is open to the possibility of adding more teams outside the United States.
London has been discussed as a potential location for an NFL franchise due to its growing fan base and the success of the international series games held there.
However, there are several logistical and financial challenges to overcome before an NFL team could be established in London, including travel and scheduling issues and potential legal and tax hurdles.
One possible way a London NFL team could be established is by relocating an existing NFL franchise. Initially, there was speculation that the Jacksonville Jaguars might make the move; however, recent developments have confirmed that this is no longer a viable option.
In October 2024, NFL owners unanimously approved a $1.4 billion stadium renovation plan for the Jaguars’ home in Jacksonville, which includes a new 30-year lease and a non-relocation agreement.
This agreement legally binds the team to remain in Jacksonville for at least three decades, effectively ending speculation about a permanent move to London.
Both teams have short leases and have been linked with a potential move to London in the past.
This would be a lengthy and complex process, and there is no indication that it will occur in the near future. In the meantime, NFL fans in London can continue to enjoy NFL games through the International Series.
What Other Countries Host NFL Games?
The NFL currently hosts international games in Mexico, São Paulo, Brazil (Corinthians Arena), Berlin, Germany (Olympic Stadium), Madrid, Spain (Santiago Bernabéu Stadium), the UK, and Ireland.
Building on its longstanding tradition of games in London, the league has added annual contests in Germany, with Berlin joining Munich and Frankfurt as host cities.
In 2024, Brazil became the first South American nation to host an NFL game, and São Paulo will continue to feature on the schedule.
The 2025 season marks further milestones, with the league debuting games in Dublin, Ireland, and Madrid, Spain, introducing American football to new European audiences.
Meanwhile, Mexico City is set to resume hosting games following the completion of stadium renovations, reaffirming the NFL's commitment to its passionate Mexican fan base.
The Future
Looking ahead, the league has announced plans for its first game in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2026.
This expansion reflects Commissioner Roger Goodell’s vision of embedding the NFL in international markets, not just through games, but with year-round engagement, youth participation, and media presence, as the league aims to make American football a truly global sport.
The NFL's international series has been successful in terms of expanding the popularity and reach of American football around the world. London has become one of the leading cities for NFL events.
Overall, the NFL's international series is an important part of its growth strategy and will continue to expand into new markets around the world.
