According to Spain's Relevo newspaper, the NFL has approved an international game at the New Bernabeu in 2025.
According to the report, the plan has been largely approved, but some details of the agreement have yet to be finalized, although all parties hope to finalize it in the coming days and weeks so that it can be announced before this season's Super Bowl.
The NFL has had good results in all five of its overseas games this season, including three in London and two in Germany, so the NFL is looking to find more countries in Europe to host the tournament. In October last year, a delegation from the NFL visited the New Bernabeu and Metropolitano Stadiums, and they were very satisfied with both stadiums, and although they were not finished at the time, the delegation had a soft spot for the Bernabeu. They hope to host the first NFL game in Spain here.
At first, the parties even considered hosting the tournament at the Bernabeu in 2024, but ultimately chose the stadium of the Brazilian club Corinthians. The NFL prefers to wait until 2025, when the stadium will be fully complete and already has some experience hosting major events.
The NFL is playing at Wembley Stadium this season, and NFL CEO Peter O'"Spain is a strong and important market that is of interest to all clubs and it is important to stay in touch with the regions where teams are building their fan bases," Reilly said in October. In the same month, Madrid's deputy mayor, Inmaculada Sanz, confirmed the news of the negotiations and said that the NFL intends to host such an important international event in Madrid, which is good news for Madrid.
In Spain, interest in the NFL is increasing year by year, with both teams Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins choosing to promote in Spain, so if an agreement is reached, one of these two teams will play in the New Bernabeu in 2025.
In addition to being impressed by the Bernabeu, the NFL delegation was delighted with all that the city of Madrid had to offer for the game. The tournaments held in Europe attract fans from all over the world, and in this sense, the capital of Spain is the best hub and in addition to the tournament, Madrid offers a complete tourist experience.
Florentino was also happy with the deal, as hosting an American football game was part of his original plan to renovate the stadium. This Wednesday the NFL will vote to host eight international tournaments in 2025, one of which, if nothing else, will be held in Madrid.