Revised practice squad rule in 2024 next step in NFL's methodical global expansion

Appearing on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," former NFL executive Scott Pioli revealed a minor change to the league's practice squad roster size that could have a major impact in attracting a worldwide audience.

Beginning next season, practice squads will expand from 16 players to 17, with the additional roster spot designated for international players. 

"Starting next year, in 2024, all 32 teams are gonna be given a 17th practice squad position for an international player," said Pioli, before explaining the additional 17th practice squad roster spot was originally only granted to one or two divisions per season.

"There's never been enough international players," Pioli noted as a reason why the the program was limited in the past. 

However, a change in the league's definition of an international player opened the pool of prospective candidates, allowing it to become a leaguewide initiative.

Pioli addressed the change, which in 2024 includes players with "no more than two years of high school in the United States," while also being "citizens outside the U.S. and Canada."

Previously, players also couldn't have played collegiately in the U.S. to qualify.

It's a significant change that will boost the game's reach. 

"If you have an international player who was recruited by IMG Academy and plays one year at IMG Academy but then goes to Notre Dame for four years, they will qualify ... to have an international exemption," Pioli said.

"Last year, there was 319 international players throughout the NCAA. We need to find a way to get those players into the league and grow the game so fans in other countries have people that they can look at," he added.

Per NFL.com:

A participating club is permitted to elevate its international practice squad player to its active roster a maximum of three times throughout the season ... creating more opportunity for international players to develop and play in the league.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it his mission to expand the game on an international scale. The league schedules a handful of games in locations including England, Germany and Mexico each season. Last year, Goodell even shared his hopes about establishing a four-team international division in the future. Broadening the pool of who is considered an international player should help drive engagement overseas as the sport attempts to take over the world.