As fans in Melbourne rumble with excitement for the first NFL game in 2026, some tourism experts say NSW fumbled the ball on securing a deal to host the games in Sydney.

9News understands the NSW government sent representatives to the US for a meeting with NFL officials, but couldn’t come to an agreement on how much the state would pay to host the games.

“Destination NSW were looking at it. We said no, it was just too expensive,” Premier Chris Minns said.

“You know, if I want to put money into crime prevention and health across NSW, I’ve got a lot of pull on the government dollar – I didn’t have enough for the NFL game.

“I can only speak to my government’s priorities and where we spend your money, your tax money.

“We have to spend it wisely.”

Victoria reportedly spent $40 million over three years for three NFL matches to be played in Melbourne.

Today, Victorian officials were revelling in the announcement, saying it confirms Melbourne as a major city for sporting events.

“It cements us yet again as the major events capital of this nation and the sporting events capital of this nation,” Victoria’s Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said.

The city is also set to host the National Basketball Association (NBA) in October. 

But for those feeling like Sydney’s missing out, the premier says you couldn’t be more wrong.

“We’ve had the women’s [football] World Cup, the rugby league grand final, we’ve got State of Origin and we’ve got the UFC,” Minns said.

“The UFC, in particular, has been a watershed. It’s gone off.”

The deal with the UFC reportedly cost the NSW government $16 million for a three-event agreement.

Fighters will step into the cage from this Sunday, with tickets still on sale.