
The Miami Dolphins are slated to play a seminal NFL game in Spain, taking the American football experience to Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next season. In a landmark move for American football's international reach, this game marks the NFL's first-ever regular-season game on Spanish soil, with the Dolphins serving as the "home" team for this global spectacle. The Bernabéu, traditionally the battleground for Real Madrid's soccer clashes, will transform its soccer pitch into an American football field to welcome just over 78,000 fans to this historic event.
"We are thrilled to play the NFL's inaugural game in Spain, a country of rich history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fanbase," Tom Garfinkel, the Miami Dolphins' vice chairman, president and CEO, said, according to Miami New Times. Interestingly, despite being a big move for the NFL's global strategy, the Dolphins' historic game, and their opponent will only be disclosed closer to the NFL Draft in April. But whoever they face, the Dolphins will be looking to snap their long-running absence from postseason glory — which now stretches to a 24-year streak.
Big international moves like this aren't just about sports; they're business, too. The NFL's league's Global Markets Program has given the Dolphins, along with the Chicago Bears, marketing rights in Spain, allowing the teams to hold events and sign commercial deals within this new territory. "The exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL's continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences across the world," Brett Gosper, the league's head of Europe and APAC, mentioned in an announcement covered by CBS News Miami. This effort of bridging leagues and continents is epitomized through strategic partnerships, like the one with Real Madrid C.F., positioning the NFL alongside one of the world's most successful soccer clubs.
The international NFL slate doesn't end in Madrid. London is gearing up for three games, while Berlin is on deck to host the Indianapolis Colts at the Olympic Stadium, marking another first for the league in regular-season overseas play. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles' historic win over the Green Bay Packers last season in São Paulo was the league's South American debut. League commissioner Roger Goodell also hinted at potential games in Rio de Janeiro and Ireland, with Australia eyed as a future host as well, real estate in the league's burgeoning global landscape.
As for the Miami Dolphins, the stakes are high. Following an 8-9 season culminating in missing the playoffs, the pressure is mounting on head coach Mike McDaniel, and general manager Chris Grier to deliver results. Burning a home game in Europe could be seen as a distraction, or it could serve as a catalyst for a much-needed turnaround.