Melbourne is closing in on securing a NFL regular season game in 2026.

The Herald Sun reports that Melbourne has beaten Sydney to the race to win hosting rights for the first competitive NFL game to be played down under.

The two cities had been jostling in recent months, but it's understood the first game will be set down for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October next year - and will be a multi-year agreement.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this could mean for the future of the sport.

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