NFL agent Leigh Steinberg sees Super Bowl remaining in U.S. despite global expansion
Veteran sports agent Leigh Steinberg expressed doubt about the Super Bowl ever being held overseas, citing its status as a cornerstone of American culture. "The Super Bowl has become a convention of Americana," Steinberg told Fox News Digital. "So, it’s not just an entertainment event – it’s a cultural event. Big business, big politics, big entertainment and big sports, along with fans, all coalesce in the city. To take that overseas, I think would be difficult."[1]
The NFL has steadily expanded its international presence with regular-season games. The league's first such contest occurred on October 2, 2005, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-14 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.[2][3] In 2007, the NFL launched its International Series with the New York Giants beating the Miami Dolphins 13-10 at Wembley Stadium in London.[2][3]
Reports indicate the 2026 season will open with a game at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, scheduled for a Wednesday U.S. time (Thursday local).[1][4] Additional reports suggest up to nine international regular-season games that year across locations including London (three games), Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Madrid and Mexico City.[1]
Steinberg noted mixed reactions from teams to international travel. "They actually like the travel aspect of it, seeing different cultures and other things. But it takes a physical toll," he said, highlighting long flights such as 12 hours from the U.S. West Coast to London and longer to eastern Europe. Coaches, he added, prefer maintaining routines.[1]
The agent called for more research on jet lag's impact on performance. Steinberg also discussed his book "The Comeback: A Playbook for Turning Life’s Setbacks into Victories," drawing from his experiences overcoming alcoholism and financial difficulties.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital, "NFL agent says Super Bowl won't go overseas despite international momentum," accessed December 2024, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-super-bowl-unlikely-overseas-agent-leigh-steinberg-global-games
- NFL.com, "NFL International Series History," accessed December 2024, https://www.nfl.com/international/london-games/history/
- Pro-Football-Reference.com, "2005 San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (Mexico City)," accessed December 2024, https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020crd.htm
- Herald Sun, "EXCLUSIVE: NFL 2026 season opener locked in for Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium," 18 November 2024, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nfl/nfl-season-opener-for-melbourne-in-2026/news-story/...
