The Case for the Packers Playing Internationally
The NFL’s “Global Game” strategy is clear: bring the league to new markets and expand its fanbase. The Packers, with their rich history and passionate fanbase, are a logical choice for an international game. They have one of the most recognizable brands in the NFL, and their loyal following extends far beyond the borders of the United States, particularly in Europe and the UK. It’s not hard to imagine how Packers fans in London or Munich would embrace the chance to see their team play live.
Additionally, Green Bay’s small market status makes it a prime candidate for international exposure. Unlike large market teams such as the Dallas Cowboys or New York Giants, the Packers don’t have as many home games to capitalize on. A game in a major international city would not only boost their global profile but also help solidify their presence in the international NFL ecosystem. The league is trying to create a “bigger than the game” appeal, and playing in a foreign country would contribute to that mission.
The Fan Experience
Fans in Europe and other international markets are increasingly eager for a taste of the NFL, and Green Bay fans traveling abroad would likely relish the opportunity to support their team in a new setting. The Packers are no strangers to international exposure. In 2019, they played a historic preseason game in Canada against the Oakland Raiders—though that wasn’t quite the same as the spectacle of a regular-season game in an NFL international series.
More recent events, like the Packers’ presence in the 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, have shown the growing appetite for the Packers to be front and center in high-profile, league-wide events. The international games could serve as an extension of this trend, not only offering more television exposure but also cultivating an even deeper international connection with a global fanbase.
The Challenges
However, the idea of the Packers playing internationally again in 2025 is not without controversy. While the league benefits from global expansion, teams—especially those like the Packers—have legitimate concerns over the physical and logistical impact of long international travel. For a team from a smaller market like Green Bay, the financial and operational burden of traveling across the globe can be substantial, especially when factoring in player fatigue, jet lag, and the potential for an unfair competitive disadvantage.
The NFL is keenly aware of these concerns and has tried to minimize the impact on the teams involved by giving them a “home” game in their respective international matchups. However, for a team like the Packers—whose roster is full of veterans who rely on consistency to stay in peak form—the prospect of traveling long distances for an early or late-season game could disrupt the rhythm of their season.
Moreover, there’s the question of whether Green Bay’s ownership structure—unlike the other 31 teams in the NFL, the Packers are a publicly owned, community-driven franchise—would see the financial upside of playing abroad. Unlike the big-market teams that can generate massive income from international exposure and endorsement deals, the Packers might find that the costs of international games outweigh the benefits, particularly when factoring in the competitive risk.
The Real Controversy: Is the NFL Sacrificing Traditionalism?
The Packers have built their brand on being one of the last true “small-market” teams in the NFL. The tradition of Lambeau Field and the unique, community-driven nature of the team are what make the Packers stand out. Playing international games runs the risk of diluting the authenticity and historical appeal of the team.
In a league increasingly focused on global expansion, some fans may view the Packers’ international participation as a sign that the NFL is prioritizing business interests over the long-standing traditions of the game. A team whose identity is built around the Midwest and its small-town charm could lose some of that mystique if it’s seen jet-setting around the world for promotional purposes.
The Packers’ home advantage is already minimal when compared to large market teams with far more resources. Playing in London or Mexico City could further skew the balance, with Green Bay losing its home-field advantage and the unique atmosphere that Lambeau Field provides.
Conclusion: The NFL’s International Future
Whether or not the Packers will play an international game in 2025 is still up in the air. The schedule and the league’s efforts to grow the sport globally certainly suggest that it’s a possibility—but it’s not without significant risks.
For a team that has long prided itself on its small-market charm and strong local roots, venturing abroad again might come at a cost. The NFL may see the international expansion as essential to its long-term growth, but it should also be cautious about how much it asks of its legacy franchises like the Packers. Fans across the world would love to see Green Bay on the global stage, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Packers should sacrifice their traditions, culture, and competitive advantage to meet that demand.
In the end, the Packers’ decision to participate in an international game in 2025 may come down to balancing the future of the NFL with the preservation of the unique identity that has made Green Bay one of the league’s most beloved teams.