The Green Bay Packers won’t play an international game during the 2026 season, but new rules passed by NFL owners this week make it more and more likely that the Packers will be playing overseas in future years.
Per the Associated Press, owners approved a measure increasing the number of international games to 10 starting in 2027, up from a record nine games in 2026.
But the more important measure passed was this, again from the AP: “The league owners also approved a resolution removing the ability for teams to protect two games on their schedule from being played internationally.”
Many teams, including both the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions this year, have used the protections to avoid playing the Packers as a home game overseas. The Packers are a big draw nationally and have a strong traveling fan base. Starting in 2027, teams will no longer have the ability to protect games — realistically opening up any game on the schedule, including division games, to being played internationally.
The Packers have only played twice during the NFL’s international series — first in London in 2022, and later in Brazil to open the 2024 season. Without an international game in 2026, the Packers will have gone two straight seasons without leaving the country.
The NFL is scheduled to play games in seven countries outside the United States in 2026.
In 2027, the Packers are scheduled to play eight home games and nine road games. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect at least one of those games to be played outside the country. More games and less protections should ensure the Packers play internationally more often in years to come.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers likely to play more international games in future seasons
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
