Notes: NFL continuing to pour more resources into international games
The NFL voted to remove teams’ abilities to protect games from being played internationally.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 4: A detail view of a Pro Bowl sticker on the helmet of Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions is seen prior to the NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Solider Field on January 4, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images The NFL continues to set its sights internationally with more games added to the list beyond 2026, but one tweak to international game policy may draw some pushback.
On Tuesday, the NFL approved an amendment to allow up to 10 league-run international games per season, which could happen as early as 2027, reports The Athletic. This is up from the previous eight-game cap. They also voted to no longer allow teams to protect any home games from being played internationally.
Before, teams could protect two games. The Detroit Lions will play in Munich, Germany against the New England Patriots in November, but chose to protect games against the Packers and the Vikings from heading overseas. The Lions were looking for home-field advantage against divisional opponents.
It appears teams won’t get that choice in the future. NFL VP of Broadcast Planning Mike North told reporters that teams protecting certain games makes scheduling hard, and may appear as a snub to international fans. “You can’t have a team say, ‘Well, I don’t want my two best games eligible for international,’” he said.