Indianapolis Colts Executive Sees High Possibility of NFL Team Operating in Europe
Indianapolis Colts Director of Football Melainey Lowe believes it is highly possible for the NFL to have a full-time team, such as the Colts, operating in Europe in the near future.
Indianapolis, IN, October 1, 2026 —
Melainey Lowe, Director of Football for the Indianapolis Colts, has expressed a strong belief that the National Football League (NFL) could see a full-time team operating in Europe in the foreseeable future. Lowe indicated that the possibility of an NFL franchise, potentially one like the Colts, being based overseas is “highly possible.”
This perspective comes amid ongoing discussions and efforts by the NFL to expand its international presence. While the league has consistently played regular-season games in London and, more recently, Germany, the establishment of a permanent, dedicated European team would represent a significant step in global expansion. The specifics of how such an operation would be structured, including team relocation or the creation of an entirely new expansion franchise, were not detailed.
The Indianapolis Colts, a storied franchise in the NFL, are one of the teams mentioned as a potential candidate to consider such an international move. However, no concrete plans or official proposals regarding the relocation or establishment of the Colts, or any other specific team, in Europe have been publicly announced. The timeline suggested by Lowe is the “near future,” indicating an expectation that this development could occur within the next several years, though a precise timeframe remains unspecified.
The logistical, financial, and competitive challenges of operating a full-time NFL team on another continent are substantial. These include managing travel schedules, player and staff adjustments, fan engagement across different markets, and the overall impact on league operations. Despite these complexities, Lowe’s assessment suggests that the league and its stakeholders are actively considering and potentially moving towards such an ambitious expansion. Further details on the feasibility studies, potential host cities, or the criteria for selecting a team have not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Mike Lacett on fox59.com, see more information here.
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