NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said at Thursday morning's (AEDT) announcement that their first regular-season game in the Asia-Pacific region will be probably be in week one, which is early September.
"We won't lock into any scheduling here, but the likely scenario would be a week-one game," O'Reilly said.
But O'Reilly and Victorian sports minister Steven Dimopolous praised the AFL for its role in negotiations around the historic deal.
"I have nothing but respect for the AFL's work with us in order to land the announcement today," Dimopolous said.
"As for the scheduling ... I will leave that for the NFL to announce at a future time.
"The AFL have been fantastic in terms of these negotiations."
O'Reilly then added his appreciation for the AFL's part in the deal.
"This doesn't happen without the AFL's partnership as an important player in this conversation ... that relationship can go beyond just playing (at the MCG)," O'Reilly said.
"This is an incredible league and we can learn from each other. That partnership and relationship is important to us."
The Los Angeles Rams have been confirmed as the host team and their opposition will reportedly be the Philadelphia Eagles.
It is a multi-year deal as the league continues its international expansion.
"Expanding to Melbourne, a beautiful city with a rich sports history, underlines our ambitions to become a global sport and accelerate international growth," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said.
"Together with the Victorian State Government ... we look forward to making history in what is an important market for the NFL and a significant next step in expanding our international footprint."
The announcement was made in New Orleans, host city of the Super Bowl next Monday morning.
Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata will become the first Australian to play in a winning Super Bowl team if his Eagles beat the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia narrowly lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago.
Mailata said he would be hitting up Goodell for tickets if the Eagles play at the MCG.
"It would feel amazing to bring the game Down Under for the growth of the sport but also for the opportunity to play in front of my friends and my family," he said."I'd have to ask uncle Roger to pay for all the tickets that I'd have to buy. Maybe half the stadium. We'll see."
Before the announcement, Mailata was rapt about the concept of an NFL game in Australia.
"Just for more eyes and viewership ... I really want this game to grow," he said.
"If we can bring a game there, just to generate interest and keep the growth of the game going - that would mean a lot to me."
The NFL has played 55 regular-season games outside the United States, with London, Madrid and Berlin confirmed as venues this year.
The MCG game is their first confirmed fixture for 2026.
36°C