🏟️ NFL Expands Global Reach with Record 2025 International Schedule

Seven international games in 2025, expanding the NFL’s global presence across multiple countries

May 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Industry Weekly as we share insights from the top business headlines from across the sports industry.

🌏 The NFL’s largest-ever international schedule in 2025 will feature seven games, including matchups like the Chiefs at Chargers in Week 1 and the Rams at Jaguars in Week 7, played across multiple global venues.

👟 Dick’s Sporting Goods is acquiring Foot Locker for $2.4 billion, marking a major consolidation in the sports retail industry.

⚾️ MLB has removed Pete Rose and others from its permanently ineligible list posthumously, following a new policy by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

🌊 Alex Morgan has become a minority owner of the San Diego Wave, furthering the trend of high-profile athletes investing in women’s sports.

🎬 Complex released its annual rankings of NFL teams’ 2025 schedule release videos, showcasing the most creative campaigns across the league.

⚾️ The Chicago White Sox temporarily unretired Paul Konerko’s No. 14 jersey for a limited-edition Pope Leo merchandise collection.

🏀 The Dallas Mavericks are set to use their No. 1 overall pick to draft top prospect Cooper Flagg, confirming they won’t trade the pick as they build for the future.

📈 With over 80% of WNBA players hitting free agency ahead of a new CBA, 2026 is poised to be a transformative year where salaries could more than triple across the league.

🌍 NFL owners will discuss a proposal next week to let players compete in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, while implementing measures to reduce team injury risk.

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