Saudi Arabia Says “Football, but Make It American”

American football’s invasion is no longer just about Europe or Brazil. Suddenly, the desert sands want a taste of the NFL! Yes, you heard that right – Saudi Arabia is looking to host an international NFL game. Turki Alalshikh, who oversees the country’s sports and entertainment interests, recently announced at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, “Britain got it; Brazil got it,” and he’s hoping that “Hopefully, Saudi Arabia will be next.”

The NFL’s international ambitions have led it to Europe and South America. The Middle East could be next https://t.co/CYydNDmQT4
— Bloomberg (@business) October 17, 2025

Saudi Arabia is now flexing its sports muscles. By 2027, they’re set to host WrestleMania – marking the event’s first appearance outside North America. And speaking of NFL’s global plans, the country already has two stadiums capable of holding a full-scale game – King Fahd Sports City Stadium with 70,000 seats and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium holding 62,000 fans.

But is it all just sunshine and touchdowns? Critics say Saudi Arabia’s sports investments are mainly a way to deflect attention from human rights concerns. Meanwhile, the NFL has been busy building fanbases abroad – from Brazil to New Zealand, Nigeria to Ireland. Even Tom Brady is slated to participate in a flag football tournament there. Yes, Brady in the desert, helmets on, dazzling the crowd!

Now the question is, can real American football survive the scorching desert sun? The Saudi royal family is betting big on sports, and the NFL’s global markets program is ready to introduce new fans to the gridiron. In short, if Britain got it, and Brazil got it, then “Hopefully, Saudi Arabia will be next.”

In the end, whether American football becomes a desert favorite or just a flashy media spectacle remains to be seen. Fans are ready, pads and helmets in hand, to dive into the sand even if the sun is blazing.