US EditionNFL in Australia: Roger Goodell responds to complaint by 49ers Kyle Shanahan
Goodell said strong ticket demand and a multi-year deal make another Australia game likely, after 49ers players raised concerns about travel and time difference.
- On Friday, Roger Goodell defended the NFL's decision to open the 2026 season with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia on Sept. 11.
- Kyle Shanahan recently stated he "doesn't see any pro" to the 19-hour trip, arguing the schedule offers no benefit compared to international games in the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Brazil that include a bye week.
- Ticket demand "has been through the roof," with every public sale ticket gone in minutes last week, while Goodell dismissed jet lag concerns by joking he would send Shanahan his wife's travel app.
- Addressing the team's travel burden, Goodell acknowledged that "this game is real," requiring significant toughness from the San Francisco 49ers as they prepare for a Week 2 matchup immediately upon returning.
- Goodell noted that while a 2027 game "might" happen, the NFL intends to integrate Australia into its yearly International Series rotations as a long-term market investment.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Roger Goodell dismisses 49ers coach’s concerns about playing in Australia, says it’s part of long-term plan
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed concerns that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had about playing in Australia in Week 1. The 49ers are playing their first game of the 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams, and Shanahan told reporters during the league’s owners meetings last month he did not see any benefit to it. Shanahan jokingly said it was his goal t…
Roger Goodell dismisses 49ers coach's concerns about playing in Australia, says it's part of long-term plan
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed concerns that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had about playing in Australia in Week 1.The 49ers are playing their first game of the 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams, and Shanahan told reporters during the league’s owners meetings last month he did not see any benefit to it. Shanahan jokingly said it was his goal to play a game 19 to 20 hours away to start the…
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