Spain: NFL commits to Santiago Bernabéu as a long-term European hub

source: StadiumDB.com ; author: Paulina Skóra

Spain: NFL commits to Santiago Bernabéu as a long-term European hub Santiago Bernabéu is increasingly asserting its presence on the global sports map beyond football. Real Madrid’s stadium is becoming a regular fixture in the NFL calendar in Europe, aligning with the league’s long-term strategy and the city’s ambitions.

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Santiago Bernabéu emerges as a key NFL venue in Europe

Santiago Bernabéu is increasingly consolidating its position as one of the NFL’s most important stadiums outside the United States. Following its extensive redevelopment, Real Madrid’s iconic venue now meets all the technical and operational requirements of American football, enabling the hosting of top-tier sporting and entertainment events.

The stadium’s retractable pitch, expanded media facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure allow for the rapid transformation of a football venue into an NFL-ready arena, fully compliant with the 120-yard field configuration required by the league.

A long-term partnership between the NFL, Real Madrid and the City of Madrid

The NFL has confirmed its return to Santiago Bernabéu for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This follows a multi-year agreement involving the league, Real Madrid, the City of Madrid and the Community of Madrid. The deal foresees the regular staging of NFL regular-season games as part of the city’s annual sports calendar.

Madrid’s authorities view the partnership with the NFL as a strategic tool for international city branding. Officials emphasise the ambition to position Madrid as a global sports capital, alongside cities such as London and Paris, with the NFL playing a central role in strengthening that image.

Economic impact and public funding of NFL games at the Bernabéu

City officials estimate that the 2025 NFL game generated approximately €70 million for the local economy. The event attracted more than 40,000 international visitors, boosting demand for hotels, restaurants and public transport. Attendance at Santiago Bernabéu exceeded 78,000 spectators, confirming both Madrid’s market potential for American football and the stadium’s capacity to host large-scale international events.

Future NFL games will again receive public financial support. According to municipal documents, Madrid City Council plans to allocate around €1.5 million per event for promotional activities, matching the level of support provided for the 2025 game.

When combined with funding from the Community of Madrid, total public support could reach up to €3 million per game. Regional authorities justify the investment by pointing to long-term economic returns and global visibility for the region.

NFL strategy and the growth of American football in Spain

The NFL’s continued presence at Santiago Bernabéu forms part of a broader strategy to expand American football in Spain. The league plans to intensify promotional and educational initiatives, particularly targeting younger audiences.

As part of the long-term agreement, the NFL is expanding its NFL Flag programme in Madrid. Delivered in cooperation with local schools and the national federation, the initiative promotes non-contact American football and aims to build grassroots participation while increasing interest in the sport among children and teenagers.

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