In July, Sports Business Daily first reported that a 2018 regular season game in China between the 49ers and Rams was planned. The contest would reportedly replace a home game for the Rams.
"In March, reports surfaced that the NFL wants to expand its international presence to China and that the Rams were one team selected to play there," wrote Don Muret of Sports Business Daily. "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell later confirmed multiple teams had shown interest in playing in China."
The Rams, who returned to Los Angeles this year and have been playing their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, have agreed to give up one home game a season to play overseas this season and over the next two as their new stadium is being built in neighboring Inglewood. They played an October 23 game against the New York Giants in London – a game that they lost 17-10.
In September, Pro Football Talk reported that the NFL's plans to play a game in China had run into some stumbling blocks. There are some logistics that become a problem for a game in China. They include the 13-hour flight from Los Angeles, the 15-hour time difference from the West Coast, and the 12-hour time difference from the East Coast. That's not just hard on the players that have to adjust to practices at very different times, but tough for scheduling the game so that both China and United States fans could watch.
The 49ers' last matchup overseas was a 2013 game in London. Their opponent was the Jacksonville Jaguars, who San Francisco beat 42-10. Colin Kaepernick passed for 164 yards and a touchdown in that matchup. He also rushed for 54 yards and two more touchdowns.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers nightmare? Schefter fuels Aaron Donald unretirement buzz
As if watching their NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, acquire Myles Garrett wasn't concerning enough, the San Francisco 49ers may soon have another reason to worry. Since landing Garrett, speculation has grown that retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald could make a... -
49ers fans take note: NFL insider warns 'the 18-game slate is coming'
San Francisco 49ers fans would undoubtedly welcome another opportunity each season to watch their favorite team take the field. According to one NFL insider, that extra game is likely on the horizon—it's simply a matter of when the league and players can agree on the... -
49ers rumors, fantasy, and clickbait: sorting reality from offseason noise
In the offseason, there is not as much to write about unless something unexpected occurs, such as the monster trade when the Cleveland Browns sent superstar defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Much of what we read falls into the categories of speculation,... -
49ers training camp report dates and joint practice dates announced
The NFL has announced official training camp report dates for all 32 teams, and the San Francisco 49ers will begin preparations for the 2026 season when rookies report on Saturday, July 18. Veterans will join the newcomers one week later, reporting to training camp on...