The recent success of the NFL game held at Santiago Bernabeu, which hosted the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders in a sold-out international spectacle, has set a new benchmark for major events in Spain.
The sight of Real Madrid’s transformed home ground captivating a global audience has only amplified FC Barcelona’s resolve regarding the future potential of their own venue.
Camp Nou to host an NFL game in 2028?
According to Catalunya Radio, Camp Nou could host an NFL game in 2028.
The success in Madrid highlights the importance of creating venues capable of handling global events, a vision at the very heart of the Espai Barça project.
The renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou is far more than just an upgrade to a football stadium; it is a complete transformation into a premier multi-sports and entertainment venue designed to be a year-round revenue generator for the club.
Santiago Bernabeu dolled up for the NFL game. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The club’s plans involve creating state-of-the-art facilities equipped to host everything from major concerts and conventions to large-scale international sporting contests, including potentially the NFL.
By building a massive, modernised, and versatile venue, Barcelona aim to compete directly with elite stadiums worldwide for high-profile events. This approach will significantly boost the club’s annual income streams.
While the team is scheduled to return to the Camp Nou for partial use soon, the full completion of the ambitious Espai Barça project – including the iconic new roof and enhanced hospitality areas – will be complete by 2028.
The stadium, therefore, can host future European NFL games, perhaps in 2028 or immediately thereafter.
This is also a broader indicator of how global sports are being popularised in Spain, especially in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, which is notably set to host Formula One in the 2026 calendar.
