The NFL has confirmed that the Indianapolis Colts will be one of the first teams to compete for the first-time ever in a regular season game hosted in Berlin, Germany this year.
The Colts’ opponents have yet to be announced for next Autumn’s game held in the Berlin Olympic Stadium, as the German capital is set to host several regular season games in the future following a multi-year deal agreed by the league and the State of Berlin Interior and Sports last December.
Colts Owner and CEO, Jim Irsay, commented: “The NFL is making history in Berlin, and the Colts are proud to be part of this landmark event in one of the world’s most historic cities.
“The NFL has become a global brand, and we’re looking forward to growing American football in Germany and expanding Colts Nation’s footprint around the world. This game also provides a unique opportunity for our local Indiana partners to engage with German businesses, customers and fans this season and in the future.”
The NFL played five American Bowl games at the Berlin Olympic Stadium between 1990 and 1994, and it was also home to NFL Europe’s Berlin Thunder from 2003-07.
The Colts were granted marketing rights in Germany last April, as part of the league’s Global Markets Programme, an initiative that awards NFL clubs international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom beyond the US, through fan engagement, events and commercial opportunities.
“Germany is an important market for the NFL, with continued growth in fandom and passion for the game,” said NFL Germany General Manager, Alexander Steinforth.
“After four successful international games in-market across Munich and Frankfurt, we’re thrilled to have the Colts as the designated team for our first-ever regular season game in Berlin in 2025 — a city that holds so much football history and is a true testament to the international expansion and growth of the league.”
Berlin adds to the growing number of markets that the NFL has debuted in as part of its International Games series.
Last year saw the league host a game in São Paulo, Brazil for the first time, whilst this year will see not only a first time game in Berlin but also Madrid, Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid.
From 2025, the NFL can schedule up to eight league-operated regular season games internationally. The league confirmed the Colts’ opponent, along with the game date and kickoff time, will be announced when the full 2025 NFL schedule is revealed this spring.
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