Signs MCG may soon host NFL games

Melbourne may be one step closer to hosting one of the world’s most famous sporting franchises following an NFL scouting mission of the MCG.

Melbourne could be a step closer to hosting one of the world’s most famous sporting franchises following an NFL scouting mission of the MCG.

The Herald Sun can reveal senior NFL officials visited the famous sporting ground this week as part of planning to expand its international series to Australia.

Senior government sources confirmed the visit, saying an historic NFL game would be a boon for the country’s sporting capital.

But they insisted discussions between the government and NFL officials were continuing with a deal yet to be signed.

It is understood a game could be played here as early as next year, putting Melbourne alongside the UK, Germany, Mexico and Brazil which have already hosted season matches.

The NFL has been on a scouting mission at the MCG.

London will host three NFL matches later this year, including one between the New York Jets and the Minesotta Vikings.

Games are also scheduled to be held in Spain next year.

NFL executives have previously raised concerns about bringing the series to Australia because of the necessary long distance travel.

But in a statement issued to the Herald Sun this week an NFL spokeswoman said Australia was being actively considered as a viable destination.

“Australia, along with many other countries and markets, is being considered as a future host market, and we are in early exploration stages of that feasibility process,” she said.

“We look at many contributing factors to assess the ability to host and deliver a successful game.”

NFL executives have previously raised concerns about bringing the series to Australia because of the necessary long distance travel. Picture: Getty Images

The NFL has long wanted to crack the Australian market, and in 2021 issued the LA Rams International Home Markets status in Australia.

It joined China and Mexico as the only three international countries granted marketing access to the team, in a bid to expand its global footprint.

The Philadelphia Eagles also have formal ties with Australia.

NFL officials expect to be able to tap into an estimated 6.6m Australian fans, and have recently opened a Gold Coast NFL academy.

Australian Jotham Russell has moved to play for the New England Patriots. Picture: Getty Images

A host of Australians have made the move to the US to play professional NFL, including Jotham Russell of the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Pat Murtagh who have both been signed for the 2024 season.

It is understood the MCG was one of a number of grounds visited by an NFL delegation who were in Australia.

An NFL pre-season match was held in Sydney in 1999 between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers, which are now the LA Chargers.

Originally published as Signs MCG may soon host NFL games