Inching closer towards global expansion and exploring new ownership possibilities, the National Football League (NFL) is considering playing regular season games in Australia and the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi being the most likely venue, according to a report from Front Office Sports. These plans indicate a potential involvement of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, a move that aligns with the nation's strategy of using sports to improve its global image.

The idea of holding an NFL game in Abu Dhabi suggests a calculated strategy to test the waters in the region, using the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a stepping stone. This move comes as the NFL investigates private equity ownership for its teams as a means to counter the rising costs associated with individual ownership.

The NFL, facing the challenge of finding buyers willing to invest billions to own a team, discussed the possibility of private equity ownership at recent meetings. Currently, a single owner must possess a minimum 30 percent stake in a team, while the remaining 70 percent can be divided among a group of no more than 25 members. This restriction has resulted in private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds being unable to purchase teams.

However, this ownership rule hampers the NFL's primary objective of increasing wealth. To facilitate the continued purchase of teams at escalating prices, the league needs to enable private equity ownership. This potential change in ownership structure opens the door for the involvement of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which already owns Newcastle United in the English Premier League and has its sights set on acquiring Formula 1.

While the focus is on Saudi Arabian funds entering the NFL, it is important to recognize that any private equity money could bring about a drastic shift in the league's dynamics. Private equity injections would likely escalate the value of franchises, leading some owners to cash in and potentially alter league rules in pursuit of profit. Changes could range from subtle adjustments to more significant shifts, such as the removal of salary caps or the implementation of an NBA-style luxury tax.

The potential influence of private equity could also heighten pressure on local governments to finance stadium projects, as the threat of relocation becomes more imminent. These developments raise concerns about the future direction of the NFL and how it may impact the game itself.

As the NFL continues to explore these possibilities, it is clear that both Middle East expansion and private equity ownership are on the horizon. While the league may be seeking ways to grow and secure its financial future, the repercussions of these decisions could fundamentally transform the NFL as we know it. Whether through Saudi ownership or other private equity entities, the future of the league remains uncertain.

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