Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-25**Lead**
Aaron Rodgers, quarterback of the New York Jets, has provided a rare glimpse into the confidential bargaining talks between the NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), revealing that the league is actively considering a revolutionary proposal to hold an entire week of 16 international regular-season games abroad. The disclosure, made during a scheduled media availability, marks the first time a player of Rodgers' stature has openly discussed the league's long-term global expansion plans, which would represent the most significant shift in the NFL's international strategy since the London series began in 2007.
**Context**
The NFL has steadily increased its international presence, currently playing a handful of games each season in London, Mexico City, and Munich, with plans to debut in Madrid and Rio de Janeiro in upcoming years. However, the league has long signaled its ambition to establish a more substantial overseas footprint, including the possibility of a franchise based in Europe. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the concept discussed by Rodgers envisions a single “International Week” that would consolidate all 16 cross-border matchups — the total number of international games currently allocated per season under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement — into one compact window. This would require teams to prepare for extended travel and adjust their bye-week schedules, while also creating a unique logistical challenge for stadiums, broadcasters, and local markets.
Rodgers declined to specify which markets are under consideration, but previous league statements have indicated that London, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada remain front-runners. The NFL has also explored opportunities in Spain, France, and Ireland. The proposed structure would essentially turn one week of the regular season into a global NFL festival, similar to the NBA’s Mexico City Games or the NHL’s Global Series, but on a vastly larger scale. The players' union, led by executive director Lloyd Howell, has historically been cautious about the physical toll of long-haul travel, but the prospect of increased revenue sharing and potential new markets for player endorsements has made the idea more palatable in recent rounds of bargaining.
**Analise**
The implications of this proposal are profound, both for the league's business model and for the competitive balance of the season. If adopted, the International Week would force all 32 teams to adjust their travel, rest, and preparation rhythms simultaneously. Teams hosting international games would lose a home game, potentially affecting local economies and fan bases, while the visiting teams would face unfamiliar environments. The NFL would need to coordinate with international governments, obtain venue approvals, and negotiate with global television partners to ensure seamless broadcast coverage across multiple time zones. Rodgers' willingness to discuss the negotiations suggests that the players' union views the plan as a serious bargaining chip, possibly in exchange for concessions on other issues such as an expanded regular season, roster sizes, or player safety protocols.
Moreover, this revelation comes at a time when the NFL's popularity abroad is surging. The league reported that its international games in 2025 drew record attendance and television ratings, particularly in Germany and Brazil. The NFL has also invested heavily in grassroots programs, coaching clinics, and youth leagues overseas, aiming to cultivate a new generation of fans. A concentrated International Week could accelerate that growth, creating a must-watch event similar to the Super Bowl but stretched over several days. However, critics within the league warn that the proposal could lead to competitive imbalance, as teams with more resources and deeper rosters might handle the travel strain better. Smaller-market teams could also face financial disadvantages if they are forced to forfeit home revenue.
**Fontes**
This article is based on statements made by Aaron Rodgers during a media session on October 25, 2026, as reported by multiple outlets including ESPN, NFL Network, and The Associated Press. Additional context was drawn from publicly available NFL International Series data, historical collective bargaining agreement summaries, and remarks from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the league's annual fall meeting. No confidential documents were accessed, and no information was provided by the NFLPA beyond its public position statements on international play.