NFL’s International Games: J.J. Watt Calls Expansion a 'Traveling Circus'—Is the League Prioritizing Growth Over Fans?

The NFL’s aggressive push to globalize American football has sparked debate: Is expanding the sport’s international footprint truly beneficial, or is it a calculated cash grab that risks undermining the game’s core product?

Critics argue that the league’s obsession with growth—driven by capitalism’s relentless pursuit of "more is better"—disrupts the 17-game regular season. Teams forced to travel internationally face grueling schedules, while domestic fans see little added value in these games. The league’s long-term vision? A fixture of international play, possibly even relocating or founding teams abroad.

J.J. Watt: International Games Are a "Traveling Circus"

Future Hall of Famer and CBS analyst J.J. Watt took to Twitter to voice his concerns, stating:

"International game slate is nearing the realm of traveling circus as opposed [to] occasional showcase."

His critique underscores a growing sentiment among fans and players alike: The NFL’s international expansion risks becoming a spectacle rather than a meaningful enhancement to the sport.

The Business Behind the Expansion

The NFL’s global push is fundamentally about revenue. More international games mean more fans, more eyeballs on broadcasts, and more money—especially for team owners. While players stand to gain financially, the incremental benefits are far smaller for them compared to the league’s leadership.

Yet, the players bear the brunt of the physical and logistical toll. Traveling to distant countries increases injury risks, including the possibility of needing emergency medical care or surgery abroad. For now, these trips are part of the job, but the future could see players drafted to or traded to international teams without their consent.

Who Holds the Power? The NFLPA’s Role in the Debate

For now, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) can veto the league’s plan to expand international games from 10 to 16 per year. However, if the NFL is determined to push forward, owners could lock out players until they agree—a tactic the league has used before to enforce its will.

Industry insiders suggest that expanding to 16 international games per year is as inevitable as the league’s push to an 18-game regular season. The question remains: Will the NFL’s relentless pursuit of growth come at the expense of the game’s integrity and its most loyal fans?