Qantas has been named the official airline partner of the NFL across Australia and New Zealand, as the league prepares to stage a landmark regular-season game in Melbourne.
The partnership is centered around the upcoming matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 11, marking the league’s continued international expansion.
Supporting Logistics and Fan Travel
Under the agreement, Qantas will operate charter flights for both teams while also leveraging its existing network of around 40 weekly services between Australia and the United States to support fan travel.
The airline will play a key role in facilitating movement for teams, staff and international supporters attending the game, which is expected to draw significant interest from both local and visiting audiences.
Australia as a Growth Market for the NFL
The partnership highlights Australia and New Zealand as a strategic growth region for the NFL, which has been steadily expanding its global footprint through its international games initiative.
The Melbourne fixture is part of a broader schedule of international matchups, with the NFL continuing to stage regular-season games outside the United States in markets including the UK, Germany, Brazil and Mexico.
Commercial and Broadcast Ecosystem
The Melbourne game will be supported by local broadcast and ticketing partners, with media coverage distributed across Australian platforms such as Seven Network and Sports Entertainment Network, ensuring wide domestic reach.
Ticket sales are being handled through Ticketmaster, with pricing tiers already released to the public.
Strategic Expansion Through Partnerships
The NFL’s international strategy continues to rely on partnerships with local brands and organizations to enhance market penetration and fan engagement.
By aligning with Qantas, the league strengthens its logistical capabilities while also tapping into a trusted national brand with extensive domestic and international connectivity.