The relationship between the National Football League (NFL) and the Republic of Ireland has been growing stronger over the past few years.
Their connection is tied to Irish fans becoming increasingly interested in the sport and strategic moves by the league to target the Emerald Isle.
Staging a Game in Ireland is the Ultimate Goal
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears faced off in a pre-season clash at Croke Park in 1997, sparking talk that a regular season game could be staged in Ireland at some point.
Steelers’ Director of Business Dan Rooney has publicly confirmed that it is an idea they plan to bring to fruition, saying ‘it’s been a goal from the start’.
The NFL is keen on expanding its international presence and has held games in London since 2007, Recent matches have been staged Germany and Spain.
The league has already run a feasibility study for playing regular season games in Ireland which included an assessment of the finances involved and possible turnout.
The General Manager of the NFL’s United Kingdom (UK) office, Henry Hodgson, recently acknowledged growing interest in the NFL from Irish fans.
He cited the country’s social media activity, merchandise sales and ticket purchases for the London games as evidence of this surge.
Irish Talents Shine in the NFL
One of the driving forces behind this plan to stage a game in Ireland is the increasing number of Irish players starring in the NFL.
Gaelic football goalkeeper Charlie Smyth signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints after progressing through the international player pathway (IPP) programme.
His success story delighted sports fans in Ireland who were happy to see one of their own in the big leagues. It also highlights the growing crossover between Gaelic football and American football.
Similarly, the New York Giants also signed Northern Ireland kicker Jude McAtamney. He went from shining in County Londonderry to gracing one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, showing that opportunities abound for Irish athletes in American Football.
Smyth and McAtamney’s journey the NFL is boosting the profile and visibility of the sport in Ireland while tightening the bond between Irish sports culture and the NFL.
Betting Companies Will Play a Massive Role
Due to the growing interest in the NFL, Irish betting companies have ramped up their coverage and marketing efforts this season.
With the NFL plotting to play a regular season game in Ireland, betting firms could capitalise. Ireland is emerging as a crucial market, and betting companies are poised to cash in.
All of the best Irish betting sites have odds and betting specials for NFL games, but would be guaranteed to increase the number of markets available if Ireland hosted a match.
Expanding betting opportunities would be a catalyst for the increasing popularity of the NFL in Ireland, further intertwining American Football with local sports culture.
Expanding Presence and Future Prospects
The NFL is extremely committed to international growth and has been showing its steadfastness through the Global Markets Program.
The program grants marketing rights to teams in different international territories. Ireland was in the initiative last year, with the Steelers and New York Jets receiving the rights to market there.
The NFL will further reinforce their presence in Ireland and engage with fans through this scheme.
This focus on international markets is a ploy to stage more games abroad. There are plans to host five NFL games internationally in 2024. That number will rise to eight or nine by next year.
The NFL has already started evaluating venues in Dublin, including Croke Park and Aviva Stadium.
Plans to stage a game in Ireland have been in the works for years, and the NFL will be desperate to clinch this milestone soon to crown their efforts.
This stronger connection between the NFL and Ireland shows a promising future for the sport on the Emerald Isle. A regular season game on Irish soil could be a reality sooner than later.