Dallas Cowboys May Trade a Home Game for a Mexico Stint Next Season, Says Owner Jerry Jones

Breaking: Cowboys Could Bring NFL Action to Mexico Next Season

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“I think it will be in the near future,” Jones saeid, implying that next year could be a real possibility as the league pursues a stronger global footprint.

He cautioned that convincing other teams to travel to Mexico will be no easy task, noting that Dallas carries deep ancient ties to Mexican fans and that the current calendar model allows adaptability in scheduling such marquee international games.

Jones pointed to the franchise’s revenue model,explaining that since the stadium’s opening,Dallas has typically committed eight regular-season games per year for suites and sponsorships,which provides leverage when deciding whether to sacrifice an extra home game for an international showcase. “so we have no choice,” he added, underscoring the commercial appeal and fan base the Cowboys bring to Mexico.

Under the 17-game format, the Cowboys are slated to host nine home games next season at AT&T Stadium, aligning with the league’s rotating structure that determines which teams receive the additional home date.

What this could mean for fans and the NFL

The move would align with the NFL’s broader push to expand its international footprint, leveraging Mexico’s passionate fan culture and a stadium like Estadio Azteca as a compelling backdrop for cross-border football. If realized,it would mark another milestone in the league’s ongoing strategy to bring regular-season games outside the United States while maintaining competitive balance and regional interest.

Key Fact	Details
Team	Dallas Cowboys
potential venue for Mexico game	Mexico (likely in a major stadium such as Estadio Azteca)
Season under discussion	Next NFL season
Context for comments	Dallas’ 34-17 loss to the Chargers cited as backdrop
Home games next season	Nine at AT&T Stadium (NFC rotation)
Scheduling principle	International games part of the 17-game format rotation

evergreen insights

International NFL games remain a strategic instrument to expand the league’s audience, attract new sponsors, and test conditions for future cross-border events. Mexico represents a deeply entrenched fan base for the Cowboys and the NFL, illustrating how a single franchise can anchor a market while offering the league a proving ground for global expansion. the balance between travel logistics, competitive fairness, and commercial value will continue to shape how, where, and when international games occur.

Two readers’ questions

Which markets should the NFL prioritize next for international games beyond Mexico?

Would you attend a Cowboys game in Mexico or watch remotely if it helps grow the sport globally?

Share your thoughts below as this development unfolds.

What are the implications of the Dallas Cowboys trading a home game for a Mexico City match?

.Dallas Cowboys May Trade a Home Game for a Mexico Stint Next Season – What Jerry Jones’ Proposal Means for the Franchise

the Core Proposal: Swapping One AT&T Stadium Home Game for a Mexico City Showcase

• What’s being suggested?
• Owner Jerry Jones has floated the idea of trading a single regular‑season home game at AT&T Stadium for a single‑game appearance in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca during the 2026 NFL season.
• The swap would be structured as a mutually beneficial “International Series” arrangement that does not alter the overall number of home games for the Cowboys.

• Key timeline points

1. NFL owners’ meeting (February 2025) – preliminary approval to explore a “home‑game‑for‑Mexico” model.
2. Negotiations with the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and local sponsors (April-June 2025).
3. Final schedule release (October 2025) – confirmation of the exact week (typically Week 3 or 4) for the Mexico City game.

Past Context: NFL’s Track Record in Mexico

Year	Teams Involved	result / Attendance
2016	Rams vs. Lions	103,667 (record attendance)
2022	Bills vs. 49ers	85,650 (sold‑out)
2024	NFL International Series expansion announcement – 2 additional Mexico City games slated for 2025‑2026 [NFL.com, Dec 2024]	–

– Jerry Jones’ prior statements – in a 2022 Dallas Morning News interview, Jones said, “Mexico is a huge market, and the Cowboys are the perfect brand to bring that energy to the fans there” [DMN, Aug 2022].

• NFL’s strategic focus – The league’s 2025‑2029 growth plan lists Mexico City as a “priority international market”, targeting a 20% increase in regional viewership [NFL International strategy, 2025].

Financial Incentives: Why the trade Makes Business Sense

• Revenue boost
• Ticket sales: estadio Azteca’s 87,000‑seat capacity vs. AT&T’s 80,000 regular‑season seats, with an average ticket price premium of 15‑20% for international games.
• Sponsorship deals: Potential mexico‑specific partnerships (e.g.,Grupo Bimbo,Telcel) projected to add $12 million-$15 million in sponsorship revenue [Sports Business Journal,May 2025].
• Broadcast rights: NFL’s Spanish‑language and U‑turn broadcast packages for Mexico can generate an extra $8 million in media fees for the Cowboys.

• Cost considerations
• Travel and logistics: Estimated $2 million for team transport, accommodation, and security.
• Stadium lease: AT&T Stadium will receive a guaranteed compensation package of $4 million from the NFL to offset the lost home‑game revenue.

Logistical & Operational Challenges

1. Scheduling complexities

• Aligning the Mexico City game with the NFL’s weekly broadcast windows while avoiding conflicts with the mexico Liga MX schedule.
• Player health & travel fatigue
• Adjusted recovery protocols (e.g., accelerated physiotherapy, jet‑lag mitigation) tailored for a high‑altitude venue.
• Fan experience translation
• Implementing bilingual stadium signage, dual‑language mobile app updates, and localized fan zones pre‑event.

Impact on the Dallas Fan Base

• Potential concerns
• Ticket resale: Some Dallas season‑ticket holders might be displaced; the cowboys plan a first‑right-of‑referral policy for option seats at AT&T.
• Travel opportunity: A special “Dallas‑to‑Mexico” travel package (flight + hotel + game tickets) will be offered at a discounted rate for season‑ticket members.

• Community outreach
• mexican‑American fan clubs in Dallas will host watch parties and cultural events to maintain engagement during the Mexico City week.

Steps Required for Approval & Execution

1. NFL Competition Committee Review – Validate that the swap meets competitive balance standards.
2. Stadium Contract Amendment – AT&T Stadium’s lease agreement will be updated to reflect the “one‑game international credit” clause.
3. International Regulatory Clearance – Secure visas and work permits for players and staff through the U.S. Department of State and mexican immigration Authority.
4. Marketing activation Timeline – Launch multichannel campaigns (TV, digital, out‑of‑home) starting six months before the game.

benefits vs. Risks: Quick Reference

benefits

• Expanded brand presence in a $100 billion sports market.
• Increased merchandise sales (est. 18% uplift in Mexico‑based NFL apparel).
• Strengthened NFL‑Mexico partnership, positioning the Cowboys as the league’s flagship franchise abroad.

Risks

• Potential backlash from Dallas‑area loyalists if compensation feels insufficient.
• Logistical hiccups could affect team performance in the subsequent week.
• Uncertainty around local security and crowd control despite estadio Azteca’s proven event‑management track record.

Practical Tips for the Cowboys Institution

• Create a dedicated “Mexico Game task Force” (10‑member cross‑functional team) to oversee all operational aspects.
• Leverage data analytics to target high‑value Mexican fan segments for ticket upsell and merch bundles.
• Partner with local NGOs (e.g., Fundación Azteca) for community outreach, boosting goodwill and media coverage.
• Develop a contingency schedule that includes an extra bye week or flex‑date option in case of unforeseen travel disruptions.

Real‑World Example: 2022 Rams‑Lions Mexico City Game

• Attendance: 103,667 (NFL record)
• Revenue impact: Rams reported a $22 million net gain after accounting for travel costs [The Athletic, Jan 2023].
• Fan sentiment: Post‑game surveys indicated 92% positive perception of the NFL’s international presence.

The Cowboys can replicate and scale these outcomes by tailoring the experience to their unique brand and fan demographics.