NFL Goes Global: By Order of the Shelby Company

The Shelby Takeover: Gridiron Edition

Right so Goodell's got his eyes on the world stage does he? Says the NFL's thinking of throwing 16 games a season abroad. Brazil England Germany Ireland Spain – sounds like a right tour. More like a land grab eh? 'International is an open market,' he says. Well so is Small Heath but we run that don't we? By order of the Shelby Company.

Overseas Expansion: Opportunity or Trouble?

Seven international games in '25 eh? Goodell thinks that's just the warm up. He wants 16 within five years. Says they've got over 200 million fans in the States and thinks the rest of the world is up for grabs. He reckons 'International is an open market for us'. Could be a smart move or a right balls up. Depends on who you trust to run it. 'Whisky' would be a better decision than most of them.

Marriott's Money: It's All About Partnerships

That Marriott geezer Capuano is talking about sports travel being a £50 billion business 10% of global tourism. They're the NFL's official hotel partner. Figures doesn't it? Everyone's got their angle. Just gotta make sure yours is sharper. It's like Polly always says 'Good business is a necessity for bad times'. She'd have a field day with these figures.

Private Equity: A Devil's Bargain?

Private equity firms sniffing around the NFL now are they? Allowed them in August. Ares Sixth Street Arctos 'The Avengers'... sounds like a right circus. Goodell's letting in even more of 'em. He says it's helping teams with liquidity. Liquidity is like a good smoke eases the nerves. But be careful who you make deals with. The devil's always in the details.

Valuations on the Rise: Fool's Gold?

The worth of teams is skyrocketing like one of Arthur's bets when he's on the opium. Average club worth nearly $6.5 billion they say. League generated a record $23 billion in revenue. San Francisco 49ers selling a stake at over $8.5 billion. Goodell says it's about the future. Everyone's betting on the future aren't they? Some win most lose. Just gotta make sure we're always on the winning side.

The Economy: A Storm Brewing?

These high ups are worried about the economy too. Consumer sentiment inflation tariffs. But Goodell says the NFL is different. That live sports are in their own category. 'There's still great demand in our content,' he says. People always need a distraction don't they? Just like a good fight or a bottle of whisky. As long as we control the supply we'll be alright. "Whisky's good proofing water. Tells you who's real and who isn't."