The NFL's historic announcement that it will bring a regular-season game to the MCG could render the ground unavailable to the AFL next September, creating a looming headache for the final fixture.
The NFL on Thursday morning (AEDT) confirmed the LA Rams would play a yet-to-be determined opponent at the MCG in 2026.
But while the announcement did not include a firm date, NFL executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said a slot in the first round is the most likely date.
While neither league has confirmed its 2026 fixtures, the 2025-2026 NFL season will open across the first weekend in September – a clash with the first weekend of AFL finals.
Players and coaches line up before the Geelong Cats vs Brisbane Lions 2024 prelim final at the MCG. AFL Photos via Getty Images
While the AFL fixture includes a pre-finals bye week, the NFL would likely require exclusive access to the MCG for at least a week before the fixture, which would force the AFL to move games away from its showpiece ground at least one of the weeks either side of the bye.
One option could be for the AFL to push its season back a week, which could potentially allow them to move games away from the ground for the final home-and-away round, which would then also give the NFL clear air in the bye week.
But doing so would push the grand final away from its usual last Saturday in September slot and into October.
Speaking in New Orleans ahead of Monday morning's (AEDT) Super Bowl, Victoria's sports minister Steve Dimopoulos said the AFL had been involved in the discussions.
"No one should underestimate how significant this is for Australia, but also for Melbourne," he told media including Wide World of Sports.
"I have nothing but respect for the AFL's work with us in order to land the announcement."
O'Reilly said the AFL's cooperation had been imperative in getting the deal over the line.
Matthew Stafford celebrates as the Rams beat the 49ers. Getty
"This doesn't happen without the AFL's partnership. They're an important player in this conversation," he said.
"I think that relationship can go beyond just playing in the same stadium. This is an opportunity which is not new for us to share best practices and learn from each other.
"(The AFL) is an incredible league and we can learn from each other. That partnership and relationship is important to us."
In a statement to Wide World of Sports, the AFL was unable to clarify a likely contingency plan in the event that the NFL's MCG booking forces a schedule rethink.
"We have a long history of working with governments and venues to support major sporting and cultural events," a spokesperson said.
"We will continue to work together to ensure arrangements are in place for our AFL fans and the wider community to experience the best of both worlds."
