NFL would be welcomed to Australia ‘with open arms’ after new marketing move

The NFL has permitted the Philadelphia Eagles to begin marketing in Australia in what could be a massive win for NFL fans.

Australia’s chances of hosting its first NFL game this century appear better than ever now that a second team has been permitted to market here.

And if approved, the game would likely feature Aussie NFL sensation Jordan Mailata and/or reigning Super Bowl champions the Los Angeles Rams.

Rather than have each side cast the net wide, the NFL designates “international home marketing areas” to its teams as a way to build loyalty for specific franchises in individual overseas countries.

The Rams had already been permitted to market to Australia and from next month they’ll be joined by the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that counts Mailata among its players.

Watch The Biggest Sports from The US with ESPN on Kayo. NBA, NHL, MLB & NFL. Live Coverage Every Week in Season. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

The International HMA initiative only began in January, but since then, teams have already organised to take regular-season games to England and Germany.

A match-up between the Rams and Eagles appears likely if a game is taken to Australia.

Jordan Mailata is the best-known Australian in the NFL Picture: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres told News Corp that the state government was eager to work with the NFL in bringing a game to Sydney.

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

“We would welcome the NFL to Sydney with open arms if they are interested in bringing a match here.”

Sydney hosted an exhibition game between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers in 1999 and LA Rams chief operating officer Kevin Demoff previously said his team would jump at the chance to be involved in the long-overdue follow-up.

“I would love to play a game (in Australia) at some point; be it an exhibition game, or come for training camp, or if the NFL ever decides to put a (regular season) game over there,” he said earlier this year.

The NFL is keen to build its following in Australia, naming it one of three “key emerging markets” alongside New Zealand and Ghana.

Earlier this year, the NFL appointed Charlotte Offord as its inaugural Australian general manager in another sign that the league hoped to build its presence on Aussie shores.

On Wednesday (AEDT), the Eagles were granted permission to enter New Zealand and Ghana as well as Australia, while the Rams will now extend their presence to New Zealand.

“We’ve seen great momentum since teams began entering their markets earlier this year,” NFL executive vice-president of club business and league events Peter O’Reilly said.

“We look forward to seeing what the Eagles and Rams have planned for their new markets.”

The Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images

NFL international home marketing areas:

Australia

Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles

Brazil

Miami Dolphins

Canada

Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks

China

Los Angeles Rams

Germany

Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ghana

Philadelphia Eagles

Mexico

Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers

New Zealand

Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles

Spain

Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins

United Kingdom

Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers

Originally published as NFL would be welcomed to Australia ‘with open arms’ after new marketing move