NFL Rejects Chiefs' Bid for Permanent Christmas Day Game

League officials confirm rotational holiday scheduling as Kansas City Chiefs prepare for international game in São Paulo.

NFL Vice President Mike North confirmed that no team, including the Kansas City Chiefs, will be granted a permanent Christmas Day game, emphasizing a rotational approach similar to Thanksgiving scheduling.
The Chiefs had requested to host a permanent Christmas Day game, citing the success of their previous holiday matchups, but the NFL declined to commit to such a tradition.
League officials highlighted the importance of flexibility in holiday scheduling, noting that team performance and fan interest can fluctuate over time.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to play an international game against the Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2025, as part of the NFL's expanded global strategy.
The NFL has increased its international game slate to seven for the current season, reflecting a broader push to grow the league's global footprint.