If the MCG and Visit Victoria have their way, there will be an NFL regular season match played in Melbourne within two years.
9News can reveal the Melbourne Cricket Club is exploring the possibility of hosting a game in the 2025/26 season.
While discussions are in their early stages, it’s understood the LA Rams have been slated as the ‘home’ franchise for what would be an historic occasion in Australia’s sports capital.
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The Rams and Philadelphia Eagles have developed a presence on these shores, but will not face-off in the 2025/26 season because of the way the NFL schedule works.
The Rams are the early preferred hosts due the proximity of LA to Melbourne. A direct flight operates between the two cities.
There have been 50 regular-season international games in NFL history: 36 in London, six in Toronto, five in Mexico City, two in Munich, and one in Frankfurt.
It’s understood the NFL is only keen to play international matches at the very best stadiums.
It’s unclear whether other states would be given the option to bid for the opportunity to host a match.
The MCC declined to comment when contacted, while Victorian Government spokesperson said: “As Australia’s major events capital, we’re always looking at new opportunities and events for our calendar.”
The following season’s batch of fixtures gets released in May, meaning an agreement will need to be struck in the next 11 months.
International cricket takes over the ground in December and January, so the match would likely be played in October, 2025.