rki.news | Sources Reuters
MELBOURNE, Sept. 11 — The National Football League (NFL) is set to expand its presence in Australia after a highly successful regular-season debut drew 100,021 fans to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 in the historic game, attracting the seventh-largest crowd for an NFL regular-season match.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday that the Australian game would not be a one-off, with the league committed to returning to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The NFL’s agreement with Victoria state includes at least two games at the venue over four years, highlighting Australia’s growing importance as an international market.
Goodell said player feedback would be important as the league plans future games, particularly regarding travel, accommodation, training facilities and player welfare.
The 49ers arrived in Australia a week before the game to adjust to local conditions, while the Rams arrived only a day before the match.
The successful event strengthened the NFL’s plans for international expansion and demonstrated strong Australian interest in American football.
NFL Eyes Further Australia Expansion After Historic Debut
