DETROIT — The NFL announced Tuesday that the Detroit Lions will play a regular-season game in Munich, Germany, during the 2026 season. The game will take place at FC Bayern Munich Stadium as part of the NFL International series.
This announcement marks the franchise’s return to international play for the first time since 2015. Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood said the organization is “thrilled” to participate in the league’s return to Munich. “As an organization, we have invested greatly in the German market and are excited to play in front of our passionate German fans,” Wood said.
The Lions have held marketing rights in the DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—since 2024. These rights were granted through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which allows clubs to build brand awareness internationally for at least five-year terms. The team currently maintains a social media presence for German fans on Instagram and TikTok through the handle @detroitlionsdeutsch.Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has led multiple youth football education camps in Germany and maintains a personal connection to the country. His mother, Miriam, is originally from Cologne. “It has been a dream of mine to play a game in my mother’s home country of Germany since coming to the league,” St. Brown said. “I cannot wait to play in front of the incredible fans that I’ve gotten to know through my visits and football camps in the country.” St. Brown noted that the “instant connection” between the German fans and the Lions brand has been inspiring.
Specific initiatives in the region include the introduction of a team mascot named Leo Löwe, whose mane features colors inspired by the German flag. The organization has also hosted consecutive Thanksgiving Day Classic watch parties in Cologne. In 2025, the Lions expanded their cultural footprint in Germany by launching a streetwear collaboration with German designer MiDNIGHT.
The organization entered a strategic partnership with the Bundesliga club one. FC Köln in 2025. This collaboration was designed to expand the global reach of both teams while deepening fan engagement in both the United States and Germany. The partnership allows the clubs to work together across community, commercial and sports platforms.
The 2026 game will be the third international regular-season appearance for the franchise and its first in more than 10 years. The Lions last played abroad on Nov. 1, 2015, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs at London’s Wembley Stadium. Previously, the team served as the designated home team in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 26, 2014.
Fans can access ticket and travel packages through On Location, the official international fan travel partner of the team. The provider has launched a priority access deposit program for the game at Allianz Arena. These packages can include premium seating, fan parties, hotel accommodations and guided tours.
The specific game date and kickoff time will be announced during the NFL’s wider schedule release. The opponent for the Munich matchup has not yet been determined.