Berlin makes official bid to host NFL games starting in 2025, eyes European expansion | NFL News – Times of India

Berlin is making a bold move to bring NFL games to its iconic Olympiastadion, as the city government officially launched a bid campaign on Tuesday to host regular-season games over the next five years. This announcement comes after Munich and Frankfurt successfully hosted NFL games in recent years, making Berlin the third German city to compete for this coveted spot.

Berlin bids to join Germany’s NFL hosting spree

With a capacity of over 74,000, the Olympiastadion, which hosted NFL exhibition games in the 1990s, is being targeted as the venue for these thrilling matchups. The stadium’s rich history, which includes hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup final and this year’s UEFA European Championship, positions it as an ideal location for the NFL’s growing international presence. “The senate has decided today, based on the proposals, that the sports metropolis Berlin will make a long-term bid to host NFL games,” stated Iris Spranger, Berlin’s Interior Senator.

The city is aiming to secure three NFL games from 2025 to 2029, a move that Spranger believes will not only enhance Berlin’s global profile but also bring significant economic benefits. “We would like to see the NFL at the Olympic stadium, most of all for many years,” Spranger expressed. As the bid nears finalization, she expects the contract to be signed in the coming weeks. The financial commitment from the city totals around €12.5 million ($13.2 million), which is expected to be offset by the influx of visitors to the city. This investment follows the impressive economic outcomes from previous NFL games in Munich (€70 million) and Frankfurt (€110 million).
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, when asked about the rumors of a Berlin game, confirmed that discussions are indeed ongoing, though nothing has been finalized yet. “I usually say don’t believe in rumors. In this case, I say believe them,” Goodell remarked during a fan event ahead of the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers game in Munich.
Berlin’s bid also aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. The city’s bid isn’t just about football; it also seeks to popularize flag football, which is set to be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. By investing in infrastructure improvements at the Olympiastadion and other sports facilities, Berlin hopes to leave a lasting legacy beyond the games themselves.
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The addition of NFL games in Berlin would further elevate the city’s status as a global sports destination, offering economic growth, cultural enrichment, and long-term benefits for local tourism. As the NFL’s international expansion continues, Berlin is poised to play a key role in this exciting new chapter.