NFL Network’s London slate delivered another ratings boost this season. Sunday’s Texans–Jaguars matchup capped a three-game stretch that averaged 6.4 million viewers.
What We Know: The audience increased 7% compared to the network’s six-game International Series average last season. Meanwhile, the network averaged 6.9 million viewers across its three London games this season, up 15% against the same 2025 benchmark. Bob Wischusen made his nationally televised NFL regular-season play-by-play debut alongside longtime ESPN colleague Louis Riddick, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sideline. Additionally, the network will carry the league’s first-ever Paris game on this weekend.
What the Data says:
| Game / Coverage | 2026 Viewers | 2025 Average | YoY Change | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguars vs. Texans | 6.4M | ~6.0M | +7% | NFL Network / NFL+ |
| London Games (Season to Date) | 6.9M | ~6.0M | +15% | NFL Network |
What Remains Unclear: NFL Network hasn’t detailed how much NFL+ streaming or over-the-air viewing contributed to the audience. Additionally, its year-over-year comparisons involve different numbers of games, making direct comparisons difficult.
What It Means: The results strengthen the NFL’s case for expanding its international footprint. For NFL Network, the increases demonstrate the value of overseas games as exclusive programming. Moreover, strong morning audiences could attract advertisers seeking national reach beyond traditional broadcast windows. The numbers also suggest international matchups can generate meaningful domestic interest regardless of location. However, the league must sustain that momentum as it enters additional markets. Sunday’s Paris debut will offer another opportunity to evaluate the strategy.
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