Charlotte - The Carolina Panthers have been selected to play a game in Munich during the upcoming NFL season, as announced by the league on Thursday. This opportunity represents a significant milestone for the Panthers, as they continue to expand their presence in the German market.

Panthers owner David Tepper expressed his excitement about the team's upcoming game in Munich, stating that it is an honor for the franchise to play internationally. Tepper also emphasized the special connection between the Panthers and the German community in Charlotte, which is home to over 200 German-owned companies. The Panthers aim to strengthen their relationships with German fans, engage with partners, and further grow their brand on a global scale.

The specific details regarding the date, opponent, and ticket information for the Munich game will be revealed at a later date.

This opportunity for the Panthers to play a game in Munich is made possible by the NFL's expansion of the schedule, allowing up to four teams to play neutral-site international games each year. The Allianz Arena, home to FC Bayern Munich, will host the Panthers for the second time, following a memorable match in autumn 2022.

The Panthers have been actively engaging with the German market in recent years. Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. served as the team's ambassador and hosted a watch party and corn hole tournament in Frankfurt during the NFL games in November last year. The team also sent representatives, including Sir Purr and the TopCats, to U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden for events. These included meet-and-greets, Play 60 Football, and Cheer Clinics for youth.

The Panthers have been leveraging German social accounts and web articles since 2019 to strengthen their brand in the country. In addition, they have organized football clinics and events with players and legends like Mike Rucker and Luke Kuechly. The team's efforts in Germany have been supported by their participation in the NFL's Global Markets Program (GMP), which granted the Panthers marketing rights in the country in December 2021.

The GMP initiative, involving 19 teams across 10 countries, allows the Panthers access to Germany for marketing, fan engagement, and commercialization purposes. The NFL sees this as part of their long-term strategy to build global brands and increase international fan base.

Punter Johnny Hekker, who announced the selection of fourth-rounder Chandler Zavala from Römerburg last year, expressed his pride in expanding the NFL's reach in Europe. He highlighted the enthusiasm and passion of the German fans for the game and the NFL brand, mentioning the overwhelming demand for tickets.

The Panthers' game in Munich marks another significant step in their international growth strategy and further solidifies their commitment to engaging and expanding their fan base in Germany. The team's ongoing efforts in the country demonstrate the NFL's dedication to building a global presence and fostering international fan growth.