Agents Share Dangers of NFL's International Push
The NFL is moving toward playing more international games, and maybe even moving a team or more to another country.
The National Football League (NFL) is set to host a record number of international games this season, spanning Australia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, and Mexico. However, there are growing concerns among agents that the league's push for international expansion could present significant challenges.
According to 24 agents who spoke anonymously to NFL writer Ben Standig, international teams would face an inherent disadvantage. One agent noted that relocating to England is vastly different from playing in New England, questioning whether a player from USC or Alabama would be excited to be drafted by a European team. Another agent pointed out that free agents might have a significant advantage in choosing between comparable offers, giving overseas teams a disadvantage in almost every case.
The agents acknowledged that the NFL could benefit from expanding internationally, particularly in positions like quarterback and offensive line, where players like Australian lineman Jordan Mailata are showing the talent can develop overseas. They argued that adding more international talent could raise the talent floor and improve the game. However, they emphasized that finding 10 players like Mailata, rather than just one, would be crucial.
The agents also highlighted the difficulties associated with international games, including travel and sleep deprivation. They suggested that the league could benefit from having multiple teams in different countries, ideally a four-team European division, to reduce travel and create natural regional rivalries. A single isolated overseas team would create significant competitive and travel issues.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
