The Detroit Lions are going global. The franchise has officially announced it will play a regular season game in Munich, Germany during the 2026 NFL season — its first international appearance in over a decade. The game will be held at FC Bayern Munich Stadium, one of Europe’s most prestigious sporting venues, with full schedule details including the opponent and kickoff time expected during the league’s mid-May release window.
For the Lions, this is not just a road trip. It is a statement.
Detroit Lions End an 11-Year International Absence
The Lions last played overseas on November 1, 2015, when they faced the Kansas City Chiefs at London’s Wembley Stadium. Before that, Detroit served as the home team at Wembley on October 26, 2014, defeating the Atlanta Falcons. The upcoming Munich contest breaks an 11-year gap in the franchise’s international play and signals a renewed commitment to building a worldwide fan base.
Team President and CEO Rod Wood expressed strong enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the organization’s significant investment in the German market and its eagerness to perform in front of passionate fans across the Atlantic.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Makes This Personal
No one has more at stake for the Munich game than Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. His mother Miriam hails from Cologne, giving St. Brown deep personal ties to Germany that stretch back to his childhood. The Pro Bowl receiver has described playing in his mother’s home country as a longtime dream — one that is now becoming a reality.
St. Brown’s connection to Germany goes well beyond family roots. He has been actively involved in youth football camps across the country, helping build a devoted fan base for both himself and the Lions organization. His bilingual abilities and cultural fluency make him the ideal ambassador for this moment, and his authentic enthusiasm gives the Munich game a human interest angle that resonates deeply with German audiences.
A Strategic Move in the DACH Region
The Lions’ path to Munich did not happen overnight. The franchise has cultivated marketing rights across the DACH region — encompassing Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — investing in community engagement and football development that goes far beyond traditional marketing.
Youth football education camps held throughout Germany have created grassroots connections with young fans, turning casual observers into genuine Lions supporters. The Munich game is the natural progression of these long-term efforts, transforming years of regional investment into a landmark moment for the franchise on the world stage.
Why Germany Is the Right Market
Germany has emerged as one of the NFL‘s most enthusiastic international markets, consistently delivering strong attendance and viewership numbers for previous games held in the country. The Lions are stepping into a market that is already primed and ready — and FC Bayern Munich Stadium, with its world-class reputation and capacity, provides the perfect stage to showcase Detroit football to European audiences.
Playing in such a prestigious venue elevates the profile of the game and reflects the NFL’s broader commitment to delivering quality experiences for fans outside the United States.
What Detroit Lions Fans Need to Know
The Lions have already launched an official web presence dedicated to the Munich game, with promotional materials including images and videos released to build anticipation. Ticket information and travel packages are expected to become available once the full NFL schedule drops in mid-May.
For Lions fans on both sides of the Atlantic, the Munich game is more than a single regular season contest. It is a declaration that Detroit is building something bigger — a truly global brand with roots in Germany and a future that extends well beyond the United States.
