According to the Senior Vice President of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing of the NFL, an NFL return is in the hands of the Azteca Stadium
Almost two years have passed since the last game of the NFL in Mexicoand how can we not miss it if we see the expansion that the League is having not only in Latin America, but throughout the world? But, the renovations to Aztec Stadiumfacing the 2026 World Cupprevent it from hosting another game, for now.
Marissa Solis, Senior Vice President (SVPfor its acronym in English) Global Brand and Consumer Marketing of the NFL –and one of the Latin faces that represents us in American football– assures that the National League Football She is eager to return to Aztec lands.
“It is the wish of the NFL play a game[en[enMéxico]as soon as possible. It all depends on Azteca. We would like to play in 2025. I believe that, if the stadium is ready, we will play a game in Mexico. When we officially know that that stadium is okay, then we can announce the game. Therefore, right now we are playing in Brazillet’s play a game in Madridwhich is very exciting too, and we are seeing one being played in Mexico too,” he revealed. Marissa Solis in exclusive chat with ESPN.
The NFL It is seen in much of the world, but outside of the United States, no one comes close to the passion that is lived and breathed in Mexico by teams like Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ersamong others. And, he knows that Solis; It was not by chance that it was the first market they launched internationally.
“It is an extremely important market because it is the first market that we launched internationally. Clear, Canada also, but it is the first market and it is very important in terms of growth over time. Latin America. Also imagine the growth of the NFL in the United States because when you see the influence that Mexicans have with Latinos in the United States, it is very, very great. So sometimes we see a lot of connections between fans who grew up in Mexico with the Cowboys oh go Pittsburgh Steelersthey influencing Latinos in the US to be fans of the NFL“, said Solis.
All this growth at the level Latin America it is very clear Marissa Solisas it confirms that, in addition to Brazil“countries like Argentinalike Colombia” and knows that “Mexico “It started it all, the foundation.”
He also knows the importance of not only taking the games to different countries — including Mexico— but also that there must be closer communication with fans, both digitally and personally, with exclusive events that they can enjoy and grow the American football community.
“It is very important that the NFL be in these countries all year round, that we are with the fans, communicating with them, providing content that they like all year round, not only the season and the games in the US but that we are in the country creating activities, For example, Tochito’s game in Mexicowhich is very important to make connections at the level of participation, that is always important. And, once we create that personal connection at the level of content, of participation, then we start bringing games. In Mexico We started in 2005, we have brought games almost annually and now we are expanding to countries like Braziletc. That is very important, because not only have the games, but the teams also have a relationship in the country with their fans. In MexicoI think two teams started, if I remember correctly they were the Cowboyswere the Pittsburgh Steelers. There are now more than 16 teams that have rights in Mexico to participate, do activities and form their own fan base,” he added.
And, as you mention, Cowboys y Steelers They are two teams that have a great fan base in Aztec lands. But, we haven’t seen them play in Mexicostill.
“They have rights to be in Mexico and do [crecer] its fan base and activities. In terms of the games, since they are regular season games, all of that is based on the season calendar, which is that, a much bigger plan. It’s like the secret of the calendar manager,” he revealed.
And, would there be a possibility of scheduling more than one game per season in our country? Solis He gave us a glimmer of hope when he answered that “anything is possible. What we want is to expand the number of international games we have.”
However, he recognizes that “there are many factors that go into these decisions, but of course, Mexicobeing the country that has the most fans internationally, being so close to the US, and as you say, fans travel. It is very possible.”
About the possibility that Mexico have a franchise in the NFLthe executive said that, although many things have been talked about, the most important thing for the league at this moment is to continue expanding internationally through regular season games.
“Many things have been talked about. Right now the focus is on growing internationally and having the regular season in different countries. That means many things. It can potentially grow in terms of number of weeks, it can be playing more international games. But in terms of franchising, although it has always been talked about, there are no plans in the future. Well, there are no plans in the near future,” he mentioned.
