Touchdown Around the World The NFL's Global Takeover and Why I'm Here For It

A Whole New (Football) World

Okay Swifties gather 'round! So I was casually scrolling through the news – you know between writing bops and like deciding which shade of red lipstick to wear – when I saw that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is thinking about turning the league into a global phenomenon. Apparently we're talking up to 16 regular season games abroad in the next five years! As someone who loves a good stadium anthem I'm kinda living for this. More fans more excitement more chances for me to accidentally end up on the Jumbotron. It’s like are you ready for it?

From Nashville to... Neverland?

Currently the NFL has seven international games scheduled for 2025 which is already a record. We're talking Brazil England Germany Ireland and Spain. But Goodell is like 'Hold my Gatorade,' and hinting at doubling that. I mean imagine 'Shake It Off' echoing in the stands of a stadium in Rio! Or maybe I'll write a new banger just for the occasion – something with a catchy international flair. 'London Boy' walked so 'Berlin Babe' could run am I right?

Money Makes the (Football) World Go Round

Now let’s talk about the Benjamins. Apparently sports travel is a HUGE revenue driver like over $50 billion annually. As someone who knows a thing or two about travel (private jets are my bestie) this makes total sense. And Marriott being the official hotel partner is probably doing the *most.* Business savvy? You know I love that!

Private Equity? More Like *Private Story*

Oh and here’s where it gets a little shall we say *interesting.* The NFL is letting private equity firms invest in teams. I'm getting 'Mean' vibes from this because I was not consulted (kidding!). Apparently it's to help with liquidity which sounds fancy. Ares Management Sixth Street Partners Arctos Partners and a crew called 'The Avengers' (no relation to the Marvel ones I think) are all in the mix. It’s like a real life 'Blank Space' – who’s gonna write the next chapter?

Valuations: We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Broke

Goodell said he's surprised by how quickly team valuations have skyrocketed. The average club is worth a cool $6.49 billion. As if I don't already know. The San Francisco 49ers are selling a stake at a valuation of over $8.5 billion! It's a statement about the business model itself and the popularity of it he said. Clearly. Because in this economy? It must be the 'Love Story' of sports franchises which leads to the question are you ready for it?

The Economy? It's Gonna Be Alright

Even with all the economic ups and downs Goodell thinks the NFL will be just fine. People might be pausing on spending but live sports are in a different category than general entertainment. He mentioned great demand for the content. Obviously this could be because everyone is looking for a distraction from the crazy world that exists. Either way the NFL is always a 'Mastermind' when it comes to getting things done.