The NFL announced that the Los Angeles Rams will be the designated team for the first ever regular season game in Melbourne, Australia.
Beginning in the 2026 season, the league will continue to expand its international presence. The Rams will play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with the date to be announced at a later time.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement regarding the news and expressed his excitement for making history.
“Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth,” Goodell said. “Together with the Victorian State Government, Visit Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and with the Los Angeles Rams in 2026, we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint.”
Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan echoed Goodell’s comments and explained how the decision will impact her state.
“We’re thrilled the NFL will be touching down in the sporting capital of Australia. Victoria is now the first-ever state in Australia to host a regular-season NFL game,” Allan said. “It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American football played at the iconic MCG.”
Lastly, Rams owner Stan Kroenke explained the organization identified Australia as a key market for them and what it means for the franchise.
“When we first identified Australia as one of our global markets, it was not only because of our passionate fans who reside there, but also because of the important role Los Angeles plays in serving as a gateway to Australia and many countries across the Pacific,” Kroenke said.
“Today is an exciting day for Rams fans across the world, especially in Australia, where our players and organization have received an enthusiastic reception over the past few years when we have been in market. This is the next important step for both the Rams and the broader Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family to continue to expand our reach globally, and we are thrilled to work with Commissioner Goodell and the league office to make history and bring the first NFL regular season game to Australia.”
The NFL has done a good job of expanding internationally and now the Rams will get a chance to win over more fans overseas when they touch down in Australia in 2026.
Sean McVay wants to see more versatility from the Rams offense in 2025
While playing in Australia will be a historic moment for the NFL and the Rams, head coach Sean McVay will be hard at work this offseason preparing for the 2025 season.
McVay’s offensive brilliance is well-documented, though even he would like to see more versatility on that side of the football next season.
