UPDATE (11:40am on Friday, Feb. 5) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the Raiders will host the Texans in Mexico City on Monday, Nov. 21.
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SAN FRANCISCO –- It’s virtually certain the Raiders will play the Houston Texans in Mexico City next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
That’s been the expectation for some time but the team had to iron out relocation uncertainty before taking further steps to make it happen. The Raiders are expected to “host” the Texans during the year, and will give up a home game to play their second international game in three seasons.
They did the same thing in 2014, when the Raiders were the designated home team against Miami at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The Raiders have a large fan base in Mexico, and this game could help expand the team’s reach south of the border.
According to ESPN, the Texans have a similar desire to delve into the Mexican market, considering their proximity to Mexico.
The NFL hasn’t played a game in Mexico City since the 49ers and Cardinals played there in 2005. The league’s more recent international games have been played in London, an NFL-hungry market that has hosted as many as three games in recent seasons.
A source told CSNCalifornia.com last week that the Raiders are negotiating a short-term lease to play 2016 at O.co Coliseum, though that deal isn’t official yet.
The NFL has called an international press conference for Friday at 1pm PT at the Super Bowl media center to discuss the league's international plans.
