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Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus
Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #ColumbusMay 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.


Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Sports news

May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.

Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

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Deadspin | Texans confirm contract extension for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" alt="NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team, but the contract extension was first reported last Friday as being for three years and $150 million ($134 million guaranteed).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #Anderson

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Deadspin | Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak have fond memories entering Zurich defense <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" alt="PGA: Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Final Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 27, 2025; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Ben Griffin, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Novak after winning on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Twelve months later, the pair reunites at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. this week with fond memories of last year’s one-stroke victory over Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“In golf, you really don’t get to do (win) much. Unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler) or Rory (McIlroy) or one of those lucky freaks, you don’t win that much,” Novak said at the pair’s Tuesday press conference. “I hadn’t won since before COVID on the Korn Ferry Tour. So just the fact that I got to go lift a trophy and be a winner for that week was pretty special, because I had done multiple years of not doing that.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Novak, 31, and Griffin, 29, turned pro in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They credit their extensive friendship dating back to playing junior golf together as natives of the North Carolina Research Triangle with what makes their partnership work.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“We (have) just played a lot of golf together. We know each other’s games really well,” Griffin said of their chemistry. “It’s not like we’re just a random team that kind of comes about, and you kind of have expectations of the other guy and maybe there’s a little bit of added pressure because you want to hit perfect shots for your partner.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Coming off their dual debut PGA win, Griffin found more success the rest of the season than Novak. He followed with his first solo tour win less than a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge and also won the World Wide Technology Championship, finishing 10th in the FedEx Cup rankings.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>“Just built a lot of confidence,” Griffin said of how he carried over the momentum of his Zurich win. “… I knew I was starting to play some really good golf and just wanted to keep playing as many events as I possibly can. Just felt that confident in my game, and I just wanted (to) keep giving myself chances.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“Didn’t take long to win again, and a lot of it was kind of being freed up from finally winning on tour and having the job security and not really thinking about a whole lot except trying to compete against the best in the world and try to beat them.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Novak hasn’t won again on tour in the 12 months since, but he carries better recent form into this week’s event. He’s coming off a T16 in last week’s RBC Heritage and has three top-20 finishes as well as a top-10 this season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Griffin has made eight of 11 cuts this season but is still looking for his first top-10 finish and has just one top-20 in his first event of the season back in January.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“I do think walking into the clubhouse today and pulling in and registering, it does feel a little bit different. Just a little bit more confidence coming in here,” Novak said. “… It is a nice little different vibe. A little bit of extra confidence coming into this week. It’s still a golf tournament. We’re going to have to go out. We don’t win just because we show up. We’re going to have to play well. I think vibes are good.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defense

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Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has taken his role as a ​footballer from the small screen to the football pitch after signing a professional contract ​with U.S. second-tier side El ⁠Paso Locomotive FC.

Fernandez, who played youth football in Mexico before stepping away from the sport at ‌the age of 15 due to a knee injury, portrayed Dani ‌Rojas in the hit Apple TV+ ‌show ⁠about a British team with a ⁠U.S. coach.

On the sidelines of his acting career, Fernandez, 35, had also been pursuing a return to ​professional football and ‌trained with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire’s reserves earlier this year.

Before signing for El Paso on Tuesday, he underwent ‌a two-month trial with the USL ​Championship club which also included a pre-season appearance.

“(Football) has always been ⁠a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has ‌taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said on the club website.

“Maybe, I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”

El Paso, founded in 2018, is fourth in ‌Group B of the USL Championship standings.

“Cristo is ​a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our ⁠forward line,” the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez ⁠said.

“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room ‌allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as ​a club.” 

Published on May 13, 2026

#Ted #Lasso #actor #Cristo #Fernandez #signs #secondtier #football #club">Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez signs for US second-tier football club Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez has taken his role as a ​footballer from the small screen to the football pitch after signing a professional contract ​with U.S. second-tier side El ⁠Paso Locomotive FC.Fernandez, who played youth football in Mexico before stepping away from the sport at ‌the age of 15 due to a knee injury, portrayed Dani ‌Rojas in the hit Apple TV+ ‌show ⁠about a British team with a ⁠U.S. coach.On the sidelines of his acting career, Fernandez, 35, had also been pursuing a return to ​professional football and ‌trained with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire’s reserves earlier this year.Before signing for El Paso on Tuesday, he underwent ‌a two-month trial with the USL ​Championship club which also included a pre-season appearance.“(Football) has always been ⁠a huge part of my life and identity, and no matter where life has ‌taken me, the dream of competing professionally never truly left my heart,” Fernandez said on the club website.“Maybe, I’m just a crazy man with crazy dreams.”El Paso, founded in 2018, is fourth in ‌Group B of the USL Championship standings.“Cristo is ​a great addition to our roster, adding another attacking threat to our ⁠forward line,” the club’s head coach Junior Gonzalez ⁠said.“His passion for the game and leadership qualities for our locker room ‌allow us to continue growing the positive culture we strive for as ​a club.” Published on May 13, 2026 #Ted #Lasso #actor #Cristo #Fernandez #signs #secondtier #football #club

Deadspin | Avs D Josh Manson fined K for butt-ending incident Oct 20, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) warms up on the ice before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson was fined ,000 on Tuesday for butt-ending Wild forward Michael McCarron. The incident occurred in the first period of Colorado’s 5-2 win at Minnesota on Monday night in Game 4 of their Western Conference second-round series, which the Avalanche lead 3-1. Manson received a double minor on the play after appearing to jam the butt end of his stick into McCarron’s neck area as they were tangled up on the ice. “He’s a dirty player. He’s always been,” McCarron told ESPN during a break in the action. “Surprised he got away with a four-minute (penalty).” Manson, 34, was making his first appearance since April 23 due to an upper-body injury. He has two assists and eight penalty minutes in four games this postseason after posting 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 79 games in the regular season. The fine was the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avs #Josh #Manson #fined #buttending #incidentOct 20, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) warms up on the ice before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson was fined $5,000 on Tuesday for butt-ending Wild forward Michael McCarron.

The incident occurred in the first period of Colorado’s 5-2 win at Minnesota on Monday night in Game 4 of their Western Conference second-round series, which the Avalanche lead 3-1.

Manson received a double minor on the play after appearing to jam the butt end of his stick into McCarron’s neck area as they were tangled up on the ice.


“He’s a dirty player. He’s always been,” McCarron told ESPN during a break in the action. “Surprised he got away with a four-minute (penalty).”

Manson, 34, was making his first appearance since April 23 due to an upper-body injury. He has two assists and eight penalty minutes in four games this postseason after posting 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 79 games in the regular season.

The fine was the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Avs #Josh #Manson #fined #buttending #incident">Deadspin | Avs D Josh Manson fined K for butt-ending incident Oct 20, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) warms up on the ice before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson was fined ,000 on Tuesday for butt-ending Wild forward Michael McCarron. The incident occurred in the first period of Colorado’s 5-2 win at Minnesota on Monday night in Game 4 of their Western Conference second-round series, which the Avalanche lead 3-1. Manson received a double minor on the play after appearing to jam the butt end of his stick into McCarron’s neck area as they were tangled up on the ice. “He’s a dirty player. He’s always been,” McCarron told ESPN during a break in the action. “Surprised he got away with a four-minute (penalty).” Manson, 34, was making his first appearance since April 23 due to an upper-body injury. He has two assists and eight penalty minutes in four games this postseason after posting 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) and 91 penalty minutes in 79 games in the regular season. The fine was the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Avs #Josh #Manson #fined #buttending #incident

On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule for the 2026 campaign. The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak">NFL schedule release 2026: 9 international games are already beginning to leak Welcome to NFL schedule release week.On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule for the 2026 campaign. The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.What are the nine international games in 2026?As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles RamsThe first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.Here is what we know about the rest of the games.Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore RavensThe NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta FalconsThe NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:The other international games this season include:We’ll update this story as it develops. #NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak">NFL schedule release 2026: 9 international games are already beginning to leak

Welcome to NFL schedule release week.

On Thursday, the NFL will release the entire regular-season schedule for the 2026 campaign. The league is slowly unveiling select games in the coming days, including the nine international games set for the next season.

We already know the first of those games, but we will be tracking those all week long as the NFL sets the stage for the 2026 campaign.

What are the nine international games in 2026?

As noted above, the NFL has nine slots for international games in 2026.

And the league is not wasting any time in travelling abroad.

Week 1: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The first international game on the 2026 schedule will be played between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, and is the reason the Seahawks will begin their season on a Wednesday. The game between the Rams and the 49ers will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, and be the first NFL regular season game played on that continent.

Due to the time difference, that game will kickoff at 10:35 a.m. local time on Friday, September 11, meaning it will start at 8:35 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, September 10.

Here is what we know about the rest of the games.

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens

The NFL returns to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in late September, when the Baltimore Ravens square off with the Dallas Cowboys on September 27 at the Maracanã Stadium.

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Atlanta Falcons

The NFL is heading back to Spain this year, after last year saw the league visit the country for the first time for a regular-season game. On Tuesday the league confirmed that the Bengals will face the Falcons in Week 9:

The other international games this season include:

We’ll update this story as it develops.

#NFL #schedule #release #international #games #beginning #leak

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