As part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program, the San Francisco 49ers has expanded to its third international market, solidifying the franchise’s reputation as one of the “most recognizable sports brands in the world”.
After more than three years of growth and success in the UK and Mexico, the 49ers obtained marketing, fan engagement, and commercial rights in a third international region – the UAE, and will now be one of three NFL clubs with activation rights in the UAE. The other two being the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Rams.
Sportico reports that the program, which launched in 2022, awards teams international marketing rights to build fan engagement and brand awareness outside of the US. This includes watch parties and other fan events, along with flag football development, which has been a critical aspect of NFL’s globalization efforts. Clubs are awarded rights for a five-year term, and they can pursue opportunities in a similar way to what they do for their domestic home market.
