Saudi Arabia Steps Up Bid to Host National Football League Games as Part of Global Sports Push
Riyadh signals intent to bring American football to the Kingdom, building on flag football showcase and broader international ambitions
Saudi Arabia has publicly reiterated its ambition to become a key destination for National Football League (NFL) games, positioning the Middle Eastern Kingdom as a potential future host in the league’s expanding international strategy.
The initiative forms part of Saudi efforts to broaden its sporting portfolio under Vision 2030, attract global audiences and boost tourism through high-profile international events.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said Saudi Arabia aspires to join countries such as Britain and Brazil in hosting regular season NFL contests, emphasising that Riyadh is ‘‘hopeful’’ the Kingdom will be next on the league’s international calendar.
This statement follows the announcement of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic scheduled for March 21, 2026, in Riyadh, a high-profile event featuring current and former NFL stars that is designed to grow enthusiasm for the sport ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
The flag football showcase, while not an official NFL game, underscores deeper ties between American football and Saudi promoters and reflects mutual interest in expanding the sport’s reach in the region.
The NFL itself has said it is evaluating potential new markets as part of its broader international expansion programme, with league executives noting that countries will be assessed on infrastructure, strategic value and partnership opportunities.
Saudi Arabia has not yet been included in the league’s Global Markets Programme, which grants commercial and fan engagement rights in selected territories, but its expression of interest and large, youthful fanbase have put it on the league’s radar as a promising location for future fixtures.
Should Saudi Arabia host an official NFL game, it would mark a significant milestone for American football’s presence in the Middle East and align with other major sports events the Kingdom has secured, from FIFA World Cup aspirations to other global showcases.
The move signals Riyadh’s continuing commitment to leveraging sport as a tool for cultural and economic diversification, even as discussions with the NFL and relevant stakeholders continue ahead of formal scheduling decisions for the 2026 season and beyond.
The initiative forms part of Saudi efforts to broaden its sporting portfolio under Vision 2030, attract global audiences and boost tourism through high-profile international events.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, said Saudi Arabia aspires to join countries such as Britain and Brazil in hosting regular season NFL contests, emphasising that Riyadh is ‘‘hopeful’’ the Kingdom will be next on the league’s international calendar.
This statement follows the announcement of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic scheduled for March 21, 2026, in Riyadh, a high-profile event featuring current and former NFL stars that is designed to grow enthusiasm for the sport ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
The flag football showcase, while not an official NFL game, underscores deeper ties between American football and Saudi promoters and reflects mutual interest in expanding the sport’s reach in the region.
The NFL itself has said it is evaluating potential new markets as part of its broader international expansion programme, with league executives noting that countries will be assessed on infrastructure, strategic value and partnership opportunities.
Saudi Arabia has not yet been included in the league’s Global Markets Programme, which grants commercial and fan engagement rights in selected territories, but its expression of interest and large, youthful fanbase have put it on the league’s radar as a promising location for future fixtures.
Should Saudi Arabia host an official NFL game, it would mark a significant milestone for American football’s presence in the Middle East and align with other major sports events the Kingdom has secured, from FIFA World Cup aspirations to other global showcases.
The move signals Riyadh’s continuing commitment to leveraging sport as a tool for cultural and economic diversification, even as discussions with the NFL and relevant stakeholders continue ahead of formal scheduling decisions for the 2026 season and beyond.
