Blockbuster NFL game between two of the game's most famous franchises set to be played in Sydney

America’s most watched sport could be heading down under, with NFL officials reportedly talking about playing what would be a historic match in Sydney to grow the game in Australia.  

Reigning Super Bowl champions, the Los Angeles Rams, would be a lock for one team given their work in establishing their brand in Australia, while clubs such as the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots are among the candidates as their opponents.

Earlier this year, the NFL appointed marketing gun Charlotte Offord as its first ever general manager in Australia, and decided they would also open up an office in Sydney, which is expected to open later this year.

NFL officials have already held talks with NSW tourism officials about bringing a game to Sydney, with Accor Stadium almost certain to be the venue given it holds double what the newly-rebuilt Sydney Football Stadium can accommodate.

The LA Rams celebrate winning the Super Bowl earlier this year

The LA Rams celebrate winning the Super Bowl earlier this year

It is not yet known whether it would be a exhibition, preseason or regular season game.  

‘We would welcome the NFL to Sydney with open arms if they are interested in bringing a match here,’ Stuart Ayres, the State Government’s Minister for Tourism and Sport, told News Corp.

‘We want Sydney to be the events capital of the Asia Pacific and we are always looking to host the very best events and sporting fixtures in our world class stadium infrastructure.’

The Rams have spoken previously of their desire to grow their brand in Australia, and already have the necessary International Homes Marketing Area rights from the NFL.

These rights, according to the NFL, grant franchises access to specific countries for ‘marketing, fan engagement and commercialization’ that help to grow their brand in international markets.  

Aussie Jordan Mailata is one of the Philadelphia Eagles top offensive players

Aussie Jordan Mailata is one of the Philadelphia Eagles top offensive players

It was announced last week that the Eagles, who have former Rabbitoh Jordan Mailata guarding Jalen Hurts’ blindside at left tackle, have also been granted marketing rights in Australia.

The NFL is well aware of the possible fan, commercial and player growth possible in Australia, and all over the world.

‘We’ve seen great momentum since teams began entering their markets earlier this year,’ said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business and league events, in a statement on May 24. 

‘From launching social media accounts, to hosting in-market events, to announcing draft picks from locations around the world, clubs are creating moments to really engage and energize our international fanbase. 

‘We look forward to seeing what the Eagles and Rams have planned for their new markets.’ 

The Rams have made no secret of their desire to grow their presence in Australia. Pictured is safety Taylor Rapp, who played a starring role defensively in the Super Bowl.

The Rams have made no secret of their desire to grow their presence in Australia. Pictured is safety Taylor Rapp, who played a starring role defensively in the Super Bowl.

The Eagles and Rams are the only franchises to hold Australian marketing rights.

Rams COO Kevin Demoff has been very open about his desire to engage with the Australian market and its rapidly-growing ranks of fans.

‘Our head coach (Sean McVay) would probably kill me for sending the team there, but we have a lot of interesting plans for Australia and ways to engage,’ he told ESPN after their Super Bowl victory.

‘I would love to play a game there at some point; be it an exhibition game, or come for training camp, or if the NFL ever decides to put a (regular season) game over there, I think we would be the first to raise our hand and look to do it.

‘We played one of the first international games in London (as well) and we have a pioneering, international spirit in our building and we can’t wait to get to Australia some way, somehow.’  

Aussie actor Rebel Wilson, pictured at the Super Bowl in February, is one of the Rams' most high profile ambassadors

Aussie actor Rebel Wilson, pictured at the Super Bowl in February, is one of the Rams’ most high profile ambassadors

The Rams have shrewdly used cult Aussie actor Rebel Wilson to appeal to both US and Australian fans, with the Pitch Perfect star often seen on the sideline and promoting the game on social media. 

The Australian presence in the NFL playing ranks continues to grow, with Seahawks punter Michael Dickson the league’s most recognisable punter and fellow Aussies Cam Johnston and Mitch Wishnowsky also amongst the top punters in the league.

Recently drafted man mountain Daniel Faalele, who would be the heaviest player in the league if he suits up in 2022, has also made headlines both in the US and Australia. 

Aussie punter Michael Dickson has made quite the impression on the NFL since joining Seattle

Aussie punter Michael Dickson has made quite the impression on the NFL since joining Seattle

Mailata’s cult status (the big fella even wowed US fans with his incredible voice on the Masked Singer) and the Eagles marketing rights may be influential in the team coming down under, but the Cowboys would have the front running given their overwhelming commercial might.

Dallas are in fact the biggest sporting club in the WORLD according to Forbes – bigger than Barcelona, Real Madrid or New York-based sides, the Knicks and Yankees.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the NFL's most exciting quarterbacks to watch

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks to watch

Lead by influential billionaire Jerry Jones, the Cowboys are valued at $5.7billion, with the Patriots the next best NFL club at $4.4billion thanks largely to their incredible success on the field over the last 20 years. 

Both the Rams and Cowboys are playing incredibly exciting football at the moment too, with confidence of both sets of fans very high for the 2022 season. 

The ranks of Aussie-based NFL fans continue to multiply every year, with fantasy football now a hugely popular and lucrative past-time for many fans who might never be able to see a game live. 

An NFL game at Accor Stadium would be quite the event for Aussie fans

An NFL game at Accor Stadium would be quite the event for Aussie fans

One user on a popular Facebook group for Aussie fans said the Philly-LA connection seemed to make the most sense.

‘I don’t understand the Cowboys. Rams v Eagles would make more sense seeing how they were both granted the right to market in Australia.’ 

Others were keen to watch regardless of which sides attended, with one saying ‘it would be perfect for bandwagon fans’.

source: dailymail.co.uk