NetApp Strengthens NFL Partnership as Presenting Partner of 2026 Madrid Game
On July 8, 2026, NetApp Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP), a leader in Intelligent Data Infrastructure, was announced as the Presenting Partner for the much-anticipated 2026 NFL Madrid Game. Set to take place on November 8 at the iconic Bernabéu Stadium, the event will feature a thrilling matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the Cincinnati Bengals. This partnership highlights NetApp's continued commitment to the NFL's international expansion and its role as a key player in enhancing the data-driven experience of football fans worldwide.
1. Expanding International Presence
This year's announcement marks a significant continuation of NetApp's involvement with the NFL, building on its role as the Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure Partner. In 2025, NetApp was the Presenting Partner for the inaugural NFL Madrid Game, which was a landmark event for both the league and the Spanish market. Rafa De Los Santos, country manager of NFL Spain, expressed enthusiasm for NetApp's return, stating, “Last year’s game at the Bernabéu was a landmark moment for the NFL in Spain. We look forward to working with NetApp to deliver another unforgettable experience for our fans.”
2. Intelligent Data Infrastructure for Football Fans
César Cernuda, President at NetApp, emphasized the importance of providing a seamless experience for fans, regardless of their location. “Football fans want a consistently great experience whether their team is playing in their home stadium or on another continent,” he noted. As the NFL broadens its international reach, NetApp is committed to enhancing the data infrastructure that underpins the league's operations, ensuring that critical data—from gameday video to fan engagement metrics—is accessible, secure, and fast.
NetApp's collaboration with the NFL extends beyond the Madrid Game. The company will also serve as the Presenting Partner for the 2026 NFL London Games, which includes three exciting matchups:
- Week 4: Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Commanders (Oct. 4 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Week 5: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Oct. 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Week 6: Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Oct. 18 at Wembley Stadium)
3. International Game Schedule
The 2026 NFL Madrid Game is part of a broader international strategy, featuring nine games across various global locations, including Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris, Munich, and Mexico City. This international initiative is designed to engage fans around the world and promote the NFL's brand on a global scale.
Ticketing Information
Tickets for the NFL Madrid Game will be available for purchase on the following dates:
- June 5: Hospitality Packages Available
- July 9: General Admission Opens
Fans eager to attend can find additional details and updates by visiting nfl.com/Madrid or following @nflespana on Instagram and TikTok for the latest news.
4. A Vision for the Future
NetApp has established itself as a crucial partner for the NFL, helping to transform the way data is managed within the league. Since becoming the NFL's Official Intelligent Data Infrastructure Partner in April 2025, NetApp has been pivotal in making the league's operations more intelligent and efficient. This includes the secure storage and management of vast amounts of gameday data, enabling the NFL to deliver a top-tier experience to fans, whether at home or abroad.
As NetApp continues to innovate within the data infrastructure space, the partnership with the NFL represents a significant opportunity for both organizations to push the boundaries of fan engagement and operational efficiency. With a commitment to turning data into a catalyst for growth, NetApp stands at the forefront of the intersection between technology and sports, ready to shape the future of the NFL and its international endeavors.
