The NFL is making history next season by sending two teams down under to start the season. Despite being located just hours apart, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will take their division rivalry to Melbourne, Australia, for Week 1 and play the first-ever NFL game in Australia.
This is just the latest step the league is taking to expand its global footprint by taking more games international. However, it’s a lot to ask for teams to make such a long trip to Australia and then get back up for another game the following week in the United States.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan has made his stance on the game clear, and he is not a fan. While speaking to the media at the annual league meetings on Monday, Shanahan believes there is “no benefit” to the 49ers making the long flight down under for a game between two teams that reside in the same state.
“I don’t see any pro,” Shanahan said. “It’s cool for the league to play globally. I think that’s awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there’s not much benefit to it. Sometimes it’s nice to get a bye week after but doesn’t happen in Week 1.”
General manager John Lynch echoed his coach’s sentiment, explaining that the team’s travel plans are still being decided.
“We may be going a little early,” Lynch said. “They may be going later, but we’re trying to look into everything to make it as comfortable (as possible). It’s kind of like there’s a price to being a high-profile team with a lot of stars. The league wants us on prime time. They want to put us in situations. What I’ve learned, you have to advocate. I certainly do for our guys, but at some point, these are the cards you’ve dealt. Let’s make it the best we possibly can.”
The 49ers have been designated the visiting team for the game, so they won’t be losing a home game because of it. However, the 49ers will be playing a second international game in Mexico later in the season, with the opponent still to be determined. Shanhan’s team will get plenty of miles in this season.
More News:49ers Provide Optimistic Update for George Kittle Before 2026 Season
“I was so fired up. That was our goal to go 19 hours away to play a game,” Shanahan said sarcastically. “We’ll deal with it. And I think there are [nine] international games. We’ve got two of them, so we’re fired up about that.”
This isn’t the first time Shanahan has been upset by the NFL’s scheduling. He voiced his frustrations with how the 49ers were scheduled in January during the playoffs, receiving less rest time despite the amount of injuries they were dealing with.
The 49ers and Rams will play Sept. 10, with a start time of 8:35 p.m. ET, but the game will take place on Friday, Sept. 11, at 10:35 a.m. local Melbourne time.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.