NFL: Dallas Cowboys set to play game against LA Rams in Sydney in 2024

One of the world’s most famous sporting franchises is being touted as a possible opponent for the LA Rams in a blockbuster showdown Down Under in 2024.

Super Bowl champions LA Rams could play a game in Sydney in 2024. Picture: Frederic J. Brown/AFP

Could one of the world’s most famous sporting franchises be coming to Australia?

News Corp can reveal senior US officials are discussing the possibility that the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys play an historic NFL game in Australia in 2024.

The Cowboys — known as America’s Team — are being touted as a possible opponent for the Los Angeles Rams, who continue to build strong links with the Australian sporting landscape.

A match between these two iconic clubs would pit gun quarterback Dak Prescott (Cowboys) against Matthew Stafford (Rams).

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Picture: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

And in a further show of LA’s desire to crack the Australian market, the Rams will send safety Nick Scott to Sydney and Melbourne in mid-June for a promotional tour.

Scott will be accompanied by a senior Rams official.

News Corp reported on May 19 that the NFL was pushing into Australia and that speculation was increasing about the Rams playing a game in Sydney, possibly in August 2024.

Top-level talks are underway in America about their opponents being Dallas. The game hasn’t been formally announced, although behind-the-scenes meetings and discussions are progressing.

The NFL has issued the LA Rams International Home Markets status in Australia, China and Mexico, with all 32 franchises told to expand the game overseas.

A match-up between Dallas and LA – the reigning Super Bowl champions – would be among the biggest sporting events ever held in Australia.

It is still unknown whether the game, if it proceeded, would be a regular-season match or an exhibition.

NSW Government, including Destinations NSW, has expressed a desire to lure an NFL game to Australia. Radio station SEN has been engaged to help promote the Rams in Australia.

There is also a push from several private consortiums in Australia to have a Pro Bowl played in Sydney.

Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform onstage prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Picture: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP

A LA Rams-Dallas Cowboys match in Sydney is being touted for 2024. Picture: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

Some of Sydney’s best-known movers and shakers, including Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd and businessman Justin Hemmes, attended this year’s Super Bowl in LA.

A Cowboys-Rams game would almost certainly be played at the 82,500-seat Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park.

One well-placed source said: “The NFL view Australia as a really viable market in terms of merchandise, audience and also players. There is huge interest from the NSW Government to bring an NFL game here.”

An early Sunday afternoon match in Sydney would be beamed back to the US at ratings-friendly timeslot on Saturday night.

News Corp revealed in May that four NFL officials flew to Sydney to inspect sporting venues and meet with destinations NSW and Venues NSW.

NFL management will establish an office in Sydney, which is expected to open in October.

Just last month, NSW Sports and Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said: “We would welcome the NFL to Sydney with open arms if they are interested in bringing a match here.

“We want Sydney to be the events capital of the Asia Pacific and we are always looking to host the very best events and sporting fixtures in our world class stadium infrastructure.”

Originally published as NFL: Dallas Cowboys set to play game against LA Rams in Sydney in 2024