NFL to explore playing a season game in UAE

AFP

The National Football League (NFL) is exploring the possibility of playing a regular-season game in the UAE the league's executive vice president, Peter O'Reilly, said in a press conference in Florida.

O'Reilly confirmed there is "strong interest" in hosting a game in Dubai or Abu Dhabi during a news conference on Monday at the NFL owners meeting in Palm Beach.

"We don't know the timing, and it's really an ‘if' in terms of whether we'll play a game there. What I will say is that's a market where there's strong interest in our game on a year-round basis. It's a market we'll continue to explore," O'Reilly said.

"We've done some exploratory trips there to understand the viability of a potential regular-season game in the market, but we've got more work to do there in terms of what that looks like over this next stretch."

As part of the NFL International Series, games were played in Brazil, England and Germany in 2024. All three nations are on the schedule again in 2025, along with Spain and Ireland. Australia will host a game in 2026.

The league expanded its global markets program on Monday by granting international marketing rights in the UAE to the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.

More from Sports

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

  • The Debrief

    4:00pm - 7:00pm

    Join Dane & Lucy on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!