NFL Sets International Viewership Record With Ravens-Cowboys Game

Rio de Janeiro, September 30 — On Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys set a new record for the most-watched NFL international game ever, as an average of 24.09 million viewers tuned in to the contest at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, according to CBS Sports. The game, which ended in a thrilling 34-31 win for the Ravens, saw viewership peak at over 30 million. The previous record was set by the Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, which attracted 21.7 million average viewers globally. The game in Brazil was played despite initial concerns over field conditions, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones calling the field “very acceptable” before the game. The NFL reported that NFL Network’s international games in 2025 averaged 6.2 million viewers on average. The early window game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, which led into the Brazil game, was the most-watched Week 3 regional game on CBS since 1990. The Ravens’ win was secured by Tyler Loop’s walk-off 56-yard field goal. The contest proceeded without any notable issues, and the NFL is likely to see this success as a boon for future international games. As President Donald Trump’s administration continues to prioritize sports diplomacy, the record-setting game in Rio de Janeiro serves as a testament to the NFL’s growing global appeal. With the sitting administration’s focus on strengthening international relations, it remains to be seen if this trend will continue in the coming years. Rio de Janeiro, September 30 — In a historic night for the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys played a nail-biting game at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, setting a new record for the most-watched NFL international game ever, according to CBS Sports. The game, which ended in a 34-31 win for the Ravens, was watched by an average of 24.09 million viewers, with viewership peaking at over 30 million. The NFL Network’s international games in 2025 averaged 6.2 million viewers on average, and the early window game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, which led into the Brazil game, was the most-watched Week 3 regional game on CBS since 1990.

Sources

• Baltimore Ravens — Wikipedia