NFL to Host Inaugural Legends and Leaders Lunch in Melbourne Ahead of Historic Regular Season Match

The National Football League (NFL) has confirmed it will host an official Legends and Leaders Lunch at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

This event, presented by TAB, serves as a centrepiece for the week leading up to Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The luncheon is themed around ‘Game Changers’ and aims to provide an exclusive platform for industry leaders to discuss the league’s rapid global expansion. It will feature key figures, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Los Angeles Rams President Kevin Demoff. With tickets available for $3,750 for a table of ten people, the event offers a premium engagement opportunity for partners, media, and the Australian sporting sector, reflecting the NFL’s commitment to deepening its commercial footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.

Emphasising the event’s role in uniting key stakeholders, NFL general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Charlotte Offord, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together in Melbourne to celebrate what we know is going to be an incredible first-ever regular season NFL game for Australia.”

“Our Leaders and Legends Lunch is a wonderful opportunity for us to kick off the upcoming 2026 NFL season, and welcome our partners, friends of the league, and fans to Melbourne, with great conversation and insights from many of the people who are shaping our game globally,” Offord said.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership and the unique access offered to attendees, Los Angeles Rams head of international, Stephanie Cheng, added: “As we prepare for a historic week in Melbourne, we are thrilled to partner with the NFL on this special event showcasing so many parts of the game we all love.”

“Through a fireside chat with Kevin Demoff, guests will gain unique insights into not only how an NFL team operates, but one that is part of one of the most successful global sports organisations in Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

“Also, in an effort to infuse a little Los Angeles into the week, guests will leave with a special gift from the Rams,” Cheng said.

Following the establishment of a national Flag Football program in 2023 and the NFL APAC Academy in 2024, the league’s presence continues to grow among its 8.8 million local fans. 

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.