All Lions: Detroit Gains Global Marketing Rights in Germany, Canada

International games could be on the horizon for Detroit Lions.

The Detroit Lions were awarded Global Marketing Program rights in multiple international markets, as announced by the NFL Monday. 

Through the program, which was designed for teams to build fan bases and market in regions outside the United States, the Lions will begin marketing in Germany, Canada, Austria and Switzerland. 

The program awards these rights to teams on a five-year basis and allows teams to promote themselves in various ways. In a press release Monday, the Lions announced they intend to participate in several ways including launching social media profiles in each of the countries’ native languages. 

The Lions announced plans to develop youth football education in these countries. Additionally, they now can sell merchandise and market themselves in these select international markets.

In recent years, the NFL has had several international games throughout the regular season. During the 2023 campaign, five games were played in international markets including three games in the United Kingdom and two in Germany. 

On the 2024 schedule, there will be one game played in Brazil along with three scheduled in the United Kingdom and one in Germany. 

The prevalence of these games has increased with the Global Marketing Program, as host teams in international games are the ones who have been awarded rights through the program.

Here are other storylines surrounding the Detroit Lions on March 25:

1.) Detroit Free Press beat writer Dave Birkett spoke to NFL coaches about the Lions' acquisition of Kevin Zeitler, Amik Robertson and DJ Reader during the AFC coaches breakfast at the NFL's annual meeting.

2.) The Lions will host a Draft party for season-ticket holders at Ford Field on April 25.

3.) Woodward Sports analyzed the current state of the Lions' wide receiver room heading into the 2024 season.