NFL’s Rising Popularity in New Zealand and Australia

The NFL is the most-watched sporting competition in the United States, consistently shattering viewership and attendance records. During the recent Thanksgiving games alone, an astonishing 141 million people tuned in across the three matchups. However, the NFL struggled to export its craze to other parts of the world for many years as part of an effort to go global.

That scenario is slowly starting to change. Nowadays, people will be sporting LA Rams jackets and Seattle Seahawks shirts on the opposite end of the world. Australia and New Zealand have recently seen a surge in NFL popularity. What has led to this sudden growth of NFL fandom in a region that is mostly known for cricket and rugby? Let’s find out.

Australian and New Zealand Representation in the NFL

Australian and New Zealand athletes who are finding success in the NFL have drawn attention to the sport. Players like Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles) and Rhett Ellison (ex-Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants) have become inspirations for local athletes, proving that transitioning to the NFL is possible.

This growing interest has sparked a ripple effect, with grassroots programs and amateur leagues gaining traction. Organizations such as Gridiron Australia and the New Zealand American Football Federation (NZAFF) are working tirelessly to develop the sport at local levels. From youth teams learning the fundamentals to national competitions, the game and the global effort to expand interest, are slowly but surely taking root.

Betting Access

Major Australian and New Zealand betting platforms now include comprehensive NFL markets. These range from straightforward moneyline bets to more intricate options like player props, total points, and in-play betting. The recent access to NFL betting has drawn further interest in the league.

Casinos online NZ and Australian online casinos are cashing in on the recent NFL frenzy by offering NFL-themed slots. This means that, in addition to sportsbooks, gamblers in New Zealand and Australia can also enjoy the NFL gambling experience through local online casinos.

Similarity to Rugby

The similarities between American football (NFL) and rugby have made the NFL more relatable and appealing to audiences in Australia and New Zealand, both of which have deep-rooted rugby traditions.

The NFL’s success in recruiting Australian and New Zealand rugby players—particularly for positions like punters, kickers, and even linemen—has captured attention in the region. Athletes such as Jordan Mailata, who transitioned from rugby league to the NFL, serve as relatable figures who bridge the gap between the two sports, inspiring fans to explore the gridiron.

Rugby and the NFL both allow for “structured violence,” where hard-hitting action occurs within the rules of the game. Fans who enjoy the physical confrontations in rugby—tackles, rucks, and mauls—often find the NFL’s hard hits and blocking schemes similarly exhilarating.

NFL’s Global Expansion

The NFL’s international initiatives, such as regular-season games in London and Germany, have showcased its dedication to expanding its global footprint. The Southern Hemisphere has not been overlooked in this expansion strategy. The NFL has openly expressed interest in hosting a regular-season game in Australia in recognition of the growing popularity of American Football in the region.

For fans in Australia and New Zealand, the prospect of hosting an NFL game is exciting and validates their passion for the sport. It also creates opportunities for grassroots development, media coverage, and local economic boosts.

The inclusion of Australia—and potentially New Zealand—in the NFL’s international plans has strengthened the league’s presence in the region, sparking interest and anticipation for what could become a regular feature of the NFL calendar.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/12/16/state-of-the-ravens/global-interest-in-the-nfl/