The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to play at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking the NFL’s inaugural regular-season game in Australia. The league aims for this to be a recurring event, given the growing fan base in the region.
However, a scheduling conflict looms for 2027, as the MCG will likely host the Australian Football League (AFL) postseason during the NFL’s desired timeframe. Despite this concern, NFL executive Peter O’Reilly expressed confidence in finding a solution, emphasizing the league’s commitment to establishing a long-term presence in Australia.
The MCG, with a capacity of 100,000, is crucial for the AFL, which has many of its teams based in Melbourne. While O’Reilly didn’t disclose specific plans regarding the scheduling issue, he reiterated the NFL’s enthusiasm about playing in Australia and maintaining regular game presence. The NFL has also opened an office in Australia and signed a multi-year partnership with Visit Victoria for future events.
