NFL Expands 2026 Slate to 9 International Games as Netflix Lands Thanksgiving Eve Stream
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 21
NFL Expands 2026 Slate to 9 International Games as Netflix Lands Thanksgiving Eve Stream
6 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · May 21
Nine international games will set an NFL record in 2026, with the league also opening the season on a Wednesday and adding a Thanksgiving Eve game exclusive to Netflix.
The schedule pushes the NFL further into global and streaming expansion, including a 49ers-Rams game in Melbourne and a new game in France as the league seeks broader reach.
The move also tests how far the calendar can stretch players and fans, with more travel, more viewing windows and unresolved questions about recovery after long-haul trips.
Ten international games have already been approved for 2027, underscoring that the 2026 format is an early stress test for a broader long-term growth strategy.
As the NFL expands across four continents, what is the true cost for player health and competitive balance?
Will Mike McCarthy's reunion with Aaron Rodgers lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl or another mediocre season?
Can rookie Carson Beck's championship pedigree solve Arizona's QB dilemma and accelerate their rebuild?