The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of an exciting campaign that is set to make waves in the international arena. As part of the NFL's commitment to global outreach, every NFL team is required to play a game at an international site once every eight years. The Chiefs have seized this opportunity to extend their global reach and have received marketing rights to Germany as well as Austria, Switzerland and Mexico.
A Historic Beginning
The connection between the Kansas City Chiefs and Germany dates back to August 11, 1990, when the Chiefs played the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL game in Germany. This historic encounter took place at the Olympiastadion in West Berlin. While the Rams secured a preseason victory with a score of 19-3, it was originally scheduled to be held in Frankfurt due to the city's strong American business and military presence.
Commercial Rights and Strategic Advantage
The Kansas City Chiefs, alongside the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, have secured commercial rights in Germany through the league's global markets program. This designation allows them to enter into corporate sponsorship agreements, organize events to engage fans, and sell merchandise, mirroring their activities in their home markets. Chiefs President Mark Donovan affirmed their commitment to seizing this opportunity, saying, "It's perfect timing for us as a franchise, and we're going to be very aggressive in taking full advantage of that. We want to be No. 1 in Germany and elsewhere."
The NFL's German Expansion
The NFL's expansion into Germany began in November of 2022 and continued this season with games scheduled in Weeks 9 and 10. On November 5, the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt. This past weekend, on November 12, the Indianapolis Colts took on the New England Patriots at the same venue.
A Clash of Titans
The Dolphins and Chiefs met in Frankfurt, promising a thrilling showdown with their explosive offenses and formidable defenses. The Chiefs came out victorious, winning 21-14. This game certainly captivated football fans in Germany – where more than 50,000 fans attended the game – and around the world. Additionally, the game earned a remarkable 94 market share on television in Kansas City.
Chiefs Take the Helm in Frankfurt
In Frankfurt, the Chiefs and the Patriots were the designated teams because they forfeited a home game in the United States to be the home team in Germany. The demand for tickets to the Chiefs game in Germany exceeded 1.4 million, which is a testament to their drawing power and the growing global appeal of American football.
As the Chiefs and the NFL prepare to descend upon Germany, a new chapter of international sportsmanship is set to unfold. This strategic move not only enhances the global presence of the Chiefs, but it also demonstrates the NFL's commitment to expanding its reach across borders. With an exciting lineup of games and an ever-growing fan base, the Chiefs are poised to make an indelible mark on the international stage, solidifying their position as one of the most iconic franchises in American football.
