Jason Bell believes it is only a matter of time before an NFL team – or even a division – is permanently based outside the United States, as the league’s International Series continues to expand.
The former Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and New York Giants cornerback, now a pundit for Sky Sports, made the comments ahead of this weekend’s London games. The Indianapolis Colts face the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars in North London next weekend. The Jaguars will also play the Texans at Wembley seven days later.
Nine international games in 2026
The NFL’s International Series, which began in the UK in 2007, has grown significantly. In 2026, nine games will be played outside the US across the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Brazil and Mexico.
Bell said that number of games would be enough for a single team to host all of its home fixtures abroad, and he expects that to happen eventually. “I’d love to see a team based outside the US,” he said. “Right now, though, I’m celebrating the success of these international games. They’ve become events that take over a city, almost like Formula 1. It’s been a pleasure to watch the game grow here, and so many people put in the work to make that happen.”
He added: “The fans and families you see at the games make it special. I hope we keep adding games and, eventually, get to see teams based internationally. As we get more international games, the idea of an international division becomes easier to picture. There are things to work through, including the collective bargaining agreement, but travel is getting easier and the world feels smaller. Having teams based in the same time zone could make sense. I’d love to see that happen.”
Commanders and Colts both need a win
Both the Commanders and the Colts enter Sunday’s game with a 1-2 record, and Bell said a victory in London could be transformative. “Huge. Coming to London gives you time together as a team that you don’t always get at home. Everyone’s here, spending time together and building that camaraderie,” he said. “I’ve seen a win in London change the direction of a team’s season, so both coaching staffs will understand what this opportunity could mean. Washington have been getting good play from Marcus Mariota, and what Daniel Jones is doing for Indianapolis is impressive. It should be a battle.”
Bell was signed by the Cowboys in 2001 before being waived and later picked up by the Texans, where he spent four seasons. With both of his former teams struggling this season, he expects Sunday’s clash to decide the “Kings of Texas”.
Cowboys’ defense under scrutiny
The Cowboys are 1-2 after losing to the Ravens with the last kick of their international game in Brazil. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer took full responsibility for mistakes made at the end of that game.
Bell, who will be at Fanatics Collectibles London on October 10 for a special event celebrating the NFL’s return to London, said Dallas have issues to solve on defense but praised their offense. “I love their offense, and I’m a big Dak Prescott fan,” he said. “The defense is the issue. They’ve made a move to strengthen the cornerback position, but I need to see better play across that side of the ball. At 1-2, there’s no reason to panic because of what this offense can do. If the defense can come together, they’ll give themselves a real chance. It’s still early, and the fastest route to the play-offs is winning your division.”
He added: “The defense is new and may take time to improve, but Dallas have a high-powered offense. Prescott, to me, could be in the MVP conversation by the end of the year. When you have a quarterback playing at that level, you absolutely have a chance.”
On facing the Texans in Houston, Bell said: “This is a scary game for Dallas because Houston are desperate for a win. I’ve played in this matchup, and it matters. You don’t face each other every year, so there’s that sense of claiming the ‘crown of Texas’. You never want to play a desperate team, especially one with a defense as good as Houston’s. I expect a real battle.”
Topps is celebrating the NFL’s return to London with a special Topps NFL Trading Cards Launch Event at Fanatics Collectibles London on Saturday 10 October, from 10am, featuring NFL fans, collectors and special guests.
