Why is there an NFL game in Australia?

On Friday morning, Melbourne's Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was expected to be filled with around 100,000 fans as the National Football League (NFL) made its debut game in Australia. The Los Angeles Rams faced off against the San Francisco 49ers at the 100,000-seat stadium, where tickets sold out within 30 minutes. This suggests a strong interest in Australian football fans to watch the sport they typically don't follow.

The NFL, with its cultural and financial dominance in the US, has been striving to broaden its fan base internationally. The league's first international game was held in Tokyo, Japan, in 1976, followed by preseason games in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Mexico. However, it wasn't until 2005 that the NFL hosted its first regular-season game outside the US, in Mexico City. This year, the NFL expanded its international presence to include Australia and France.

Commissioner Roger Goodell and Los Angeles Rams owner Stanley Kroenke emphasized the long-term commitment to Australia, stating that the league is not just a one-off visit. The Australian market holds value due to its passionate fans and the strategic importance of Los Angeles as a gateway to Australia and other Pacific countries.

However, Australia's small population raises questions about the league's strategic investment in this market, especially when considering Mexico and Germany, where the league's games sell out instantly.

International games are a lucrative business for the NFL, with the Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly generating between $35-50 million (A$49-70 million) per game in London. The league has also profited from broadcasting rights. Australia, with a population of about 28 million, offers a significant market and strong passion for sports.

Victoria outbid New South Wales and Western Australia, as well as South Korea and Japan, for the NFL deal, paying $15 million per game in a multi-year agreement. The choice of Melbourne over a rectangular stadium was controversial, but the country's high attendance at professional sporting events and the growing NFL fanbase suggest that Australia is a viable market for the league.