The Miami Dolphins will travel to Europe in 2025. On Friday, the franchise announced that this was the team selected by the NFL to play in the league’s first-ever game in Madrid, Spain.
The N.F.L did not immediately provide a date for the game, but it will take place during the 2025 regular season. The Dolphins’ opponent will also be announced at a later date.
The Dolphins will be the designated “home team” at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where the club has long been home Real Madrid CF. The location features a football field that is retreating to make way for a field that can be used for American football. The stadium has a capacity of just over 78,000.
“We are thrilled to play the NFL’s first game in Spain, a country rich in history, tradition and passion and home to a vibrant Dolphins fan base,” Dolphins president and CEO Tom Garfinkel said in a statement.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The NFL logo before a game between the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
“There is an appetite for football in this market, and we are proud to work with the NFL to grow the game internationally, while appealing to both old and new fans. With the unique synergy between Miami and Madrid, we believe this this is just the beginning for us in this incredible region, and we look forward to bringing the excitement and community of Dolphins football to Spain in 2025 and beyond.”
EX-NFL STAR DISCUSS WHY DEION SANDERS SHOULD REMAIN IN COLLEGE
The Dolphins announced their roster to play in Madrid less than a year after the NFL revealed it would host a game at Bernabéu Stadium sometime during the 2025 season. The Dolphins also have international marketing rights in Spain as part of the league’s Global Markets Program.
An aerial view of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, July 23, 2007, in Madrid, Spain. (Angel Martinez/Real Madrid via Getty Images)
“The exciting first-ever game in Spain underlines the NFL’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint and reaching new audiences around the world,” said Brett Gosper, the league’s head of Europe and APAC.
Next season’s match marks the Dolphins’ eighth appearance on the international stage. The Dolphins are 2-5 in games played outside the U.S., with Miami’s most recent appearance coming in 2023 when they took on the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany.
A football before an NFL game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany, November 5, 2023. (Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images)
The NFL has aggressively expanded its global presence in search of new fans and revenue streams. Partnering with one of the most successful football clubs in the world is a true branding bonanza.
“This partnership with the NFL will bring one of the world’s most prestigious sports leagues to the Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that has welcomed millions of passionate fans from around the world to enjoy incredible sporting experiences,” said Emilio Butragueño, director of institutional relations Real Madrid. .
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The NFL can schedule up to eight regular-season games internationally next season. Besides the game in SpainLondon will host three matches, while one match will be played in Germany.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports reporting on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
