NFL legend JJ Watt has hit out at the league over their plans for international games.
On Wednesday, the NFL confirmed that a record-breaking nine regular season games will be held across four continents and seven countries next season.
In total, there are 16 teams – including the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots – who will lead the league’s 2026 global expansion efforts.
While fans across the globe, particularly those in the selected countries, rejoiced at the news, some NFL fans in America have been left disgruntled.
Among them is former NFL star Watt, who vented his frustrations on Thursday.
Taking to X, Watt said: ‘International game slate is nearing the realm of traveling circus as opposed [to an] occasional showcase.’
NFL legend JJ Watt has hit out at the league over their plans for international games
The NFL confirmed that a record-breaking nine regular season games will be held across four continents and seven countries next season
The future Hall of Famer’s comments come as the league continues its relentless pursuit of a global footprint, often at the expense of domestic season ticket holders.
Critics argue that the move is a ‘cash grab’ that disrupts the competitive balance and routine of a grueling 17-game regular season for the players involved.
Despite the pushback, the NFL remains committed to the project, with long-term goals reportedly including a permanent franchise based in Europe or Mexico.
For now, the NFL Players Association maintains the ability to cap the international schedule at 10 games, though many expect that figure to rise to 16 in the coming years.
As the ‘traveling circus’ prepares to pull into new territories in 2026, the league must balance its appetite for global capital with the needs of its primary US audience.
