The NFL’s latest international showcase delivered another ratings win for the league. Pittsburgh’s 24-21 victory over Minnesota on Sunday at Dublin’s Croke Park averaged 7.9 million viewers across TV and digital platforms, according to Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
The total ranks as the second-most-watched NFL Network International Game on record, trailing only last year’s Dolphins-Chiefs matchup from Frankfurt, Germany.
The 7.9 million figure also represented a significant jump compared to recent overseas broadcasts. Viewership was up 68 percent against NFL Network’s 2024 International Games average. Beyond the full-game total, the audience peaked at more than nine million viewers between 12:30 p.m. ET and the final whistle, a strong window considering NFL competition from other markets and sports.
For the league, the performance underscores the continuing appeal of international contests. While London and Frankfurt have become staples on the calendar, Dublin’s debut drew curiosity both for the unique venue and the fan response in Ireland.
The game marked the first NFL regular season appearance at Croke Park, a stadium traditionally associated with Gaelic football and hurling.
The NFL has made international growth a centerpiece of its long-term media strategy. Rights holders view the games as an opportunity to expand reach in European markets while also delivering premium live content for domestic audiences at non-traditional kickoff times.
Attention now shifts to London, where three consecutive games are scheduled beginning this Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Minnesota will be back on the international stage against Cleveland, with kickoff set for 9:30 a.m. ET. The broadcast will air exclusively on NFL Network and stream via NFL+, continuing the league’s push to drive sign-ups for its direct-to-consumer product.
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