In May 2023, the Steelers were granted rights to expand their brand and activities in Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program.

Rooney mentioned that hosting a regular-season NFL game in Ireland has been a “goal from the start,” and confirmed that the Steelers are collaborating with the NFL to achieve this.

“We have always aimed to seize the opportunity to play a live game in front of Irish fans,” Rooney told BBC Sport NI in Belfast this week. “We are working with the NFL on that and are excited about what the future holds."

While no regular-season NFL game has ever been held in Ireland, the Steelers did play and defeat the Chicago Bears in a pre-season game at Croke Park in 1997.

Additionally, several college football games have taken place at Dublin’s Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium. The upcoming Aer Lingus College Football Classic will feature Georgia Tech and Florida Tech this August.