The NFL’s global push just hit a bit of turbulence, and it is coming from one of the league’s sharpest minds. When travel, time zones, and competitive balance collide, not everyone’s going to be on board. Especially not a head coach trying to prep for Week 1 with zero margin for error.
Still, the league is not blinking. While concerns around logistics are real, the bigger picture is even bigger. New markets, massive crowds, and long-term growth are the priorities, and right now, that vision is running straight through Australia, whether everyone likes it or not.
Roger Goodell Responds To Kyle Shanahan’s Criticism Of Australia Opener
Nov 12, 2022; Munich, Germany; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reacts during the NFL Live Fan Forum at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2022; Munich, Germany; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reacts during the NFL Live Fan Forum at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On April 10, 2026, speaking at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the criticism from San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan regarding the team’s season opener in Australia, as reported by multiple outlets.
Goodell didn’t dodge it. He leaned in.
“His job is to win. His job is to play. … We’ll make it a great experience for the team.”
“I have not felt any jet lag at all. I thought it was a relatively easy trip.”
Roger Goodell on #49ers HC Kyle Shanahan not being a fan of playing in Australia:
“His job is to win. His job is to play. … We’ll make it a great experience for the team.”
Goodell added he can send Shanahan an app to help with jet lag.
“I have not felt any jet lag at all. I… https://t.co/06SntweKjs pic.twitter.com/Yyfe8KMlmm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 10, 2026
That response landed after Shanahan openly questioned the value of the trip. The 49ers are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1 at the MCG, marking the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia. However, Shanahan sees more downside than upside, pointing to a 15-hour flight, a 17-hour time difference, and no bye week to recover.
His stance was that there is no competitive advantage and just a disruption. Meanwhile, Goodell is looking at the bigger board. He acknowledged that coaches operate with a “narrow lens,” winning games, yet emphasized the league’s commitment to international expansion. And Australia is not a one-off experiment.
“We don’t come as a one-off. This isn’t a circus… this is a long-term investment.” (Via Sports Business Journal)
And the numbers back him. Ticket demand has exploded. The 100,024-seat MCG is essentially a lock to sell out. Fans from over 35 countries jumped into queues within minutes of release. Interest in the NFL across Australia has reportedly surged by 50% in the last two years.
Yes, the league sees gold. Still, Shanahan’s concerns are not baseless. Historically, teams playing overseas, especially in Europe, often get a bye week to reset. However, that is not the case here. Week 1 means an immediate turnaround with no buffer and no adjustment period.
And there is another situation. Shanahan has hinted that the Rams may have pushed for this international game to avoid a typical “home” crowd disadvantage at SoFi Stadium, where 49ers fans often take over.
If true, that adds a competitive edge to an already complex situation.
The bottom line is, this is a classic clash of priorities. Coaches want optimal prep. The league wants global reach, and in 2026, Australia becomes the battleground for that tension. Whether it impacts performance, we will find out on September 11.