NFL expansion in Mexico, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): The NFL is preparing to return to Mexico on November 22, when the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings meet at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The game will mark the start of a three-year stretch of regular-season matches in Mexico City, following a pause that allowed renovation work at the stadium.
In an interview with Claro Sports’ Playbook, Arturo Olivé, director of NFL Mexico, discussed preparations for the game, the possibility of increasing the number of matches played in Mexico, and the option of taking them to other cities. He also addressed a visit by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s expansion plans.
Olivé acknowledged that increasing the number of games in the country is among the goals of the office he leads. He explained, however, that the league must first fulfill its commitments for the next three seasons.
“There is always a possibility, and it is something we will always pursue as the NFL Mexico office: how we can bring more games. However, we also understand what you mention, that the league’s reach is global and the inventory of games is limited.
We are seeing it now with nine games spread across nearly the same number of countries. So, it is not easy.”
The executive said Mexico’s performance as a host over the coming years will be decisive in presenting proposals to the league. “Right now, the challenge for us is to deliver the best possible games in 2026, 2027 and 2028, and from there establish a platform that allows us to raise our hand and propose a greater number of games, but I do not mean by this, ‘It is going to happen.'”
Regarding the possibility of expanding the NFL’s presence in Mexico, Olivé also referred to Monterrey and Guadalajara as cities that could be considered to host games in the future. “It is always possible to consider cities like Monterrey and Guadalajara, especially given what you mention, that they have World Cup stadiums.
We must not forget that their capacities are smaller than that of Estadio Azteca. That is also an important point to consider, the stadium’s capacity in terms of attendance, but nothing is written in stone or ruled out.”
Although no decision has been made about other venues, the executive reiterated that the results of the games scheduled in the capital will help evaluate the next opportunities. “What is a fact is the attention we must pay to delivering the best possible games in Mexico City over these next three years, so that we have greater opportunities to propose these kinds of ideas.
What if we play two games? What if we go to another venue?
All of those options are always available and on the table.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will attend the November 22 game. Olivé highlighted the interest the commissioner has shown in the Mexican market and confirmed that he will be present at the stadium.
“Mexico is a key country for the league. The commissioner has a very special place for Mexico.
He has always shown great interest and always asks about everything we are doing in Mexico.”
Olivé also explained that the organization will have staff coming from the United States to coordinate activities related to the game. He said the commissioner’s visit will be brief, as is typical for international games, but that he will spend time with guests at the stadium.
On the process for determining which franchises play international games, Olivé said the decision rests with the NFL and that all 32 teams have expressed interest in playing in Mexico. He added that 10 teams participate in the Global Markets Program, which gives them special activities and interest in the territory, and that those teams are the first with whom discussions take place, although the option is open to all interested teams.
Asked about the possibility that Mexico could one day host a Super Bowl or have an NFL franchise, Olivé left the door open to both, while acknowledging these would be very long-term projects. “Why not both?
In the very long term. It is fine to dream, and the sky is the limit.
Nothing is written yet in the face of these opportunities, and no door is closed.”
