NFL Schedules Inaugural Regular-Season Game in Berlin

Following a recent event where 70,132 spectators attended the Carolina Panthers’ overtime victory against the New York Giants at Munich’s Allianz Arena last month, the NFL has announced its first regular-season game in Berlin for 2025. This addition brings the total number of confirmed international games for next season to five. Berlin’s Olympic Stadium will host this game, marking the fifth NFL contest held in Germany since the league’s international series extended beyond the UK to mainland Europe in 2022. Initially, the NFL committed to holding games in Germany in both Munich and Frankfurt. Specifically, one game took place in Munich in 2022 and another in 2024, while Frankfurt hosted two games in 2023. However, the league has now established a “multi-year commitment” to host games in the German capital. Historically, Berlin’s Olympic Stadium previously hosted five pre-season games between 1990 and 1994. It also served as the home venue for Berlin Thunder, a team from the now-defunct NFL Europe, from 2003 to 2007. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “Germany has a rich tradition of American football and the NFL has a deep history with the city of Berlin.” The NFL has also confirmed its inaugural game in Spain next year, scheduled at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium, alongside three additional games in London. The current season commenced with the NFL’s initial game in Brazil. Commissioner Goodell has indicated that the league aims for a total of eight international games in 2025, with Brazil, Mexico, and Ireland identified as potential locations for the remaining three contests. The NFL estimates its fanbase in Germany to be nearly 20 million. As part of this new collaboration, the league intends to partner with local authorities to advance flag football, a sport slated for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028. Iris Spranger, Berlin’s senator for the interior and sports, commented, “This long-term partnership with the NFL will continue to boost Berlin as a global sports metropolis, as well as excite fans at the Olympic Stadium.” She added, “The 2025 NFL Berlin game means worldwide visibility, numerous international guests, increased tourism and high economic value across the city.”