CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been outspoken about his desire to take the team overseas, and the NFL’s broadcast planning chief says that wish could soon be granted. Mike North, the league’s vice-president for broadcast planning, told Bengals.com’s Geoff Hobson that Cincinnati is on the list of teams being considered for this year’s International Series, with potential matchups in London and Madrid.
“He’s been vocal about it,” North said, recalling Burrow’s disappointment that the Bengals did not travel abroad last year. “I remember he was pretty disappointed last year when you guys didn’t go… I think that’s a real possibility for the Bengals this year.” The sentiment underscores how important international exposure has become for star players eager to expand the NFL’s reach — and for franchises looking to grow their fan bases overseas.
North specifically singled out two possible pairings under consideration: the Bengals versus the Washington Commanders in London and Cincinnati against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid. He said Burrow’s presence is a major factor in the Bengals’ appeal abroad, noting that the quarterback has helped cultivate a fan base “that resonates in Europe and across the planet.” Burrow’s connection with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins only amplifies that draw, the league executive suggested.
The NFL has been steadily increasing its international footprint in recent seasons, sending marquee teams and players to play regular-season games in Europe and elsewhere as part of a broader effort to globalize the sport. For broadcast planners like North, star power and overseas fan demand are central to deciding which franchises are sent abroad. The full 2026 NFL schedule, which will reveal official international-week assignments, is due to be released in the coming weeks.
If the Bengals are awarded a slot, the logistical and commercial implications would be notable: clubs typically must balance travel and practice schedules around transatlantic trips, while the league negotiates broadcasting windows and local ticketing arrangements to maximize international interest. For fans in Europe — some of whom fervently followed Cincinnati during Burrow’s ascent — a Bengals game would represent a rare chance to see one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks and his top receivers live.
For now, Cincinnati supporters and the team itself must wait for the official schedule. North’s comments make clear that the combination of Burrow’s popularity and the club’s growing international profile have put the Bengals squarely in contention for one or more overseas games this season, but confirmation will only come when the league publishes its complete slate.