The Los Angeles Rams are set to make history as one of the first two teams to play an NFL regular season game in Australia. The league announced on Wednesday that the Rams will serve as the home team for the game, which will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2025 season.
This marks a major step in the NFL’s ongoing effort to expand its global reach, following the success of international games in London, Germany, and soon Madrid.
NFL’s Global Expansion Reaches Australia
The NFL has committed to a multi-year expansion into Australia as part of its strategy to grow the sport worldwide. Commissioner Roger Goodell emphasized the league’s ambitions in his statement:
“Expanding to Melbourne, Australia, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth.”
The game will be part of the NFL’s International Series, which has successfully hosted games in London, Mexico, Germany, and soon Spain.
Why Australia? The NFL’s Growing Presence Down Under
The Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles have had marketing rights in Australia since 2022 under the league’s Global Markets Program. Since then, both teams have actively engaged with Australian fans through various initiatives, including:
- Rams Australia Instagram account
- Super Bowl LVI Trophy Tour in Sydney and Melbourne
- Visits from Rams legends like Torry Holt and Todd Gurley
These efforts have built a solid fanbase in Australia, making it a logical next step for the NFL’s international expansion.
The Los Angeles Rams’ Role in Making History
Rams owner Stan Kroenke expressed excitement about bringing NFL action to Australian fans:
“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. This is the next important step for both the Rams and the broader Kroenke Sports & Entertainment family to continue to expand our reach globally.”
The Rams will host an unannounced team at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most historic sports venues in the world, which has hosted major events such as the Olympics, Cricket World Cup, and Australian Rules Football Grand Final.
Australia Joins the NFL’s Growing List of International Hosts
The NFL’s international expansion has been gaining momentum, with Australia being the latest addition to its global series. Some key international games in 2025 include:
- London Games – A staple of the NFL’s international presence
- Berlin Game – Expanding beyond Munich after a successful debut in Germany
- Madrid Game – Spain’s first-ever NFL regular season game
The Australia game is expected to further boost the sport’s popularity and pave the way for more international games in the region.
The Los Angeles Rams’ game in Australia is a groundbreaking moment for the NFL and Australian sports fans. As the league continues to expand globally, this marks a historic first step toward establishing a stronger presence in Oceania. With the NFL’s commitment to growing the sport internationally, Australian fans can look forward to more games and increased engagement in the years to come.
