Ravens vs Cowboys in Rio: NFL's Global Expansion

0:00On April 1st, the NFL is expanding its global footprint big time, planning nine international regular season gains for 2026. One highlight has the Baltimore Ravens facing off against the Dallas Cowboys in week three at Rio de Janeiro's legendary Estadio Do Mara Cona marking the first NFL regular season game ever on that iconic turf. This will be Brazil's third NFL regular season matchup overall after two previous ones in São Paulo's Arena Corinthians. For the Ravens, it's their third trip abroad following losses in a win in London back in 2017 and 2023. The Cowboys, with just one prior international regular season game, a victory in London in 2014, get their second shot on foreign soil. Fans are mixed on this, losing a home game stings, and jetting to Brazil ain't easy for players or supporters. But the league sees dollar signs in new markets, pushing revenue while building worldwide hype. Estadiums hosted two World Cup finals in the Summer Olympics, pure sports history.

1:02Neither team holds marketing rights in Brazil through the NFL's global program, with Baltimore focused on the UK so far. Sources confirm the details, and it's all part of the league's march toward an 18-game schedule loaded with these overseas clashes. Picture the Ravens keeping their rhythm intact amid the chaos. Returning healthy would be a win alone. This Brazil showdown drops the NFL deeper into soccer's heartland, blending grids and global vibes seamlessly. That wraps NFL news today, brought to you with AI, I'm Corey with The Story.