The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) recently addressed rumors concerning the formation of a European division within the National Football League. While the association is often involved in various preparatory discussions, it states that it is not actively preparing for the establishment of a European division at this time.
This clarification comes after reports indicated that NFLPA Executive Director Lloyd Howell had engaged in conversations about the potential benefits and drawbacks of introducing four teams to Europe. An NFLPA spokesperson clarified, “Player members are in regular discussion with the NFLPA about international games and related health and safety issues. But no one is actively preparing for a European division.”
While these discussions suggest an interest, discussing differs greatly from actively preparing for implementation. However, the NFL and the players’ union have not formally addressed this idea together, though the possibility lingers.
In 2022, NFL Commissioner publicly floated the concept of a four-team European division. Currently, the NFL's priority lies in securing NFLPA's agreement to raise the number of international games annually from 10 to 16 and regular-season games per team from 17 to 18.
Though the focus remains on more games for now, the expansion to Europe, possibly through new franchises increasing the league's size to 36 teams—and possibly even 40—remains part of strategic conversations.
Amidst speculation of a European division, some ponder the potential of an Asian division in the future, further reflecting how the NFL might expand its global footprint.
