NFL picks Dolphins for opener in Spain as league’s international series expands
The Miami Dolphins will travel to Europe in 2025. On Friday, the franchise announced in Madrid, Spain that it was the team selected by the NFL to play in the league for the first time.
The NFL did not immediately provide a date for the game, but it will take place during the 2025 regular season. The Dolphins’ opponent will be announced at a later date.
The Dolphins will be the designated “home” team at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the longtime home of Real Madrid CF. The site contains a soccer field that will be moved back to make a field for American football. The stadium has a capacity of over 78,000.
Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be playing the NFL’s first game in Spain, a country with rich history, culture and passion and home to Dolphins fans.”
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The NFL logo during the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“There is a hunger for soccer in this market, and we are proud to join the NFL in growing the game with old and new fans alike. With the unique partnership between Miami and Madrid, we believe this is just the beginning. We have in this amazing region and the Dolphins in 2025 and beyond.” We look forward to bringing football joy and community to Spain.
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The Dolphins’ announcement of their decision to play in Madrid comes less than a year after the NFL announced it would host a game at the Bernabeu Stadium at some point in the 2025 season. The Dolphins hold international marketing rights in Spain as part of the league’s Global Market Program.
Aerial view of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium on July 23, 2007 in Madrid, Spain. (Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
“The exciting first game in Spain demonstrates the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences around the world,” said Brett Gosper, the league’s head of Europe and APAC.
Next season’s game will mark the Dolphins’ eighth on the international stage. The Dolphins are 2-5 in games outside the United States, with Miami’s most recent appearance coming in 2023, when they hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
Football before the NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany, November 5, 2023. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
The NFL is expanding its global footprint significantly in search of new fans and revenue streams. Partnering with the most successful football clubs in the world is a branding bonanza.
Real Madrid’s Director of Institutional Relations, Emilio Burageno, said: “This partnership with the NFL brings one of the most famous sporting events in the world to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, where millions of passionate fans from around the world can enjoy an amazing sporting experience. .
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The NFL can schedule up to eight regular season games internationally next season. In addition to the game in Spain, London will host three games, one game will be played in Germany.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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