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The Indianapolis Colts were named as the host team for the NFL's first ever regular-season game to be held in Berlin, Germany, as part of its International Games schedule for the 2025 season the league announced on Wednesday (January 15).
The Colts will serve as the home team in a yet to be determined matchup in the first of the NFL's multiyear commitment to play games at the Olympic Stadium. The stadium was previously the home of the NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder from 2003 to 2007 and also hosted five American Bowl -- a series of NFL international preseason exhibition games -- between 1990 and 1994.
"Germany is an important market for the NFL, with continued growth in fandom and passion for the game," said NFL Germany general manager Alexander Steinforth. "After four successful international games in-market across Munich and Frankfurt, we're thrilled to have the Colts as the designated team for our first-ever regular season game in Berlin in 2025 -- a city that holds so much football history and is a true testament to the international expansion and growth of the league."
"The NFL is making history in Berlin, and the Colts are proud to be part of this landmark event in one of the world's most historic cities," said Colts owner & CEO Jim Irsay. "The NFL has become a global brand, and we're looking forward to growing American football in Germany and expanding Colts Nation's footprint around the world. This game also provides a unique opportunity for our local Indiana partners to engage with German businesses, customers and fans this season and in the future."
The NFL held five international games during the 2024 season, which included its first ever matchup in Brazil between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, as well as three games in London, England, and one game in Munich, Germany.