Vikings’ Back-to-Back Overseas Games Bring Global Growth but Local Costs

The Minnesota Vikings are set to make history in 2025 as the first NFL team to play back-to-back regular-season games overseas, with matchups scheduled in Dublin and London. The move highlights the league’s push for international expansion, but it also raises questions about the financial trade-offs for both the franchise and the Twin Cities community.

For the Vikings and the NFL, the upside is clear. Playing in Europe expands the team’s global fan base, opens new markets for merchandise, and attracts international sponsors. Cities like Dublin are investing heavily to host the games—about $10 million in Dublin’s case—expecting tourism and economic benefits. The NFL also typically compensates teams that lose a home date, making sure revenue from tickets, concessions, and suite sales is replaced. In addition, the Vikings gain the kind of brand visibility that could strengthen their long-term value.

But while the franchise may be protected, local businesses in Minneapolis stand to lose out. A single Vikings home game has been estimated to generate $5–10 million in economic activity for the Twin Cities through hotel stays, restaurant traffic, and transportation. Stadium workers, concession staff, and surrounding businesses also miss income opportunities when games are shifted abroad. For many in the community, that short-term loss is tangible, even if the global exposure eventually brings benefits back home.

In the end, the Vikings’ overseas stretch represents both challenge and opportunity. The short-term economic hit to the Twin Cities is undeniable, but the long-term payoff could come in the form of international sponsorships, global merchandise sales, and a broader fan base. For the Vikings, it’s a balancing act between immediate local costs and the promise of becoming a truly global brand.