By: Jim Williams – Capital Sports – Senior Columnist
The NFL’s international expansion continues to gain momentum, and Berlin is at the heart of it. On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons will face off at the historic Olympiastadion, marking Berlin’s debut as a host city for a regular-season NFL game ABC News.
This event makes Berlin the third German city to host an NFL game, joining Munich and Frankfurt, and it won’t be the last. The league has already confirmed that Berlin will host additional games in 2027 and 2029, with another German city expected to be announced soon for 2026 and 2028 ABC News.
Why Germany — and Why Berlin?
Germany has become the NFL’s most sought-after international market, with 11 of the league’s 32 teams holding commercial rights there through the NFL’s Global Markets Program. That’s more than any other country, including Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Berlin, in particular, has emerged as a fan favorite. The city has invested $14.3 million in stadium upgrades and local football development, including flag and tackle football initiatives. The upcoming game is expected to draw a sellout crowd of 72,000, showcasing the city’s passion for American football.
Strategic Growth and Local Engagement
The NFL isn’t just bringing games — it’s building a presence. In addition to the Colts-Falcons matchup, nine other NFL teams with commercial rights in Germany will be in Berlin hosting fan events, youth clinics, and promotional activities.
NFL Germany’s general manager, Alexander Steinforth, emphasized the untapped potential: “Most fans here haven’t picked a team yet. That’s a huge opportunity for growth,” he said.
What’s Next?
With Berlin locked in for multiple future games and another German city soon to be announced, the NFL’s commitment to Germany is clear. The league’s strategy blends on-field action with off-field engagement, aiming to convert casual viewers into lifelong fans.
As the NFL continues to globalize, Berlin is proving it’s more than just a host — it’s becoming a pillar of the league’s international future.
Slug:
nfl-games-germany-berlin-fan-favorite
Meta Description:
The NFL is expanding its presence in Germany, with Berlin emerging as a fan-favorite host city. Learn about upcoming games, local investment, and the league’s global strategy.
Tags:
nfl-germany, nfl-berlin, nfl-international-series, berlin-nfl-games, colts-vs-falcons, nfl-global-markets, nfl-europe, olympiastadion-berlin, nfl-fan-engagement
Keywords:
NFL games in Germany, Berlin NFL host city, NFL international expansion, Colts Falcons Berlin, NFL Global Markets Program, NFL Berlin 2025, NFL Europe strategy
