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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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National Football League

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States. It consists of 32 teams divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), and is the highest level of professional American football. The league was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association and adopted its current name in 1922.

History

The NFL began in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association in Canton, Ohio. It adopted the name National Football League in 1922 and later merged with the American Football League in the 1960s, shaping the modern league.

Organization

The league has 32 teams divided equally between the AFC and NFC. Each conference is subdivided into four divisions, and the league office is headquartered in New York City.

Season and championship

The NFL season includes a regular season followed by playoffs that lead to the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl determines the league champion and is one of the most watched sporting events in North America.

Significance

The NFL is widely regarded as the top professional American football league and one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. It is also known for its strong television audience and commercial value.

Key facts

  • The NFL is a professional American football league based in the United States.
  • It consists of 32 teams split evenly into the AFC and NFC.
  • The league was founded in 1920 and renamed the National Football League in 1922.
  • Its headquarters are in New York City.
  • The Super Bowl is the league’s championship game.
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Canadian context

The NFL is followed by many Canadian fans and is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America. Its games, especially the Super Bowl, draw significant Canadian television audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Football League?
The NFL is the top professional American football league in the United States, with 32 teams split between the AFC and NFC.
When was the NFL founded?
It was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association.
Why is it called the NFL?
The league adopted the name National Football League in 1922.
How many teams are in the NFL?
There are 32 teams in the NFL.
Where is the NFL headquartered?
The NFL is headquartered in New York City.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League
    Supports: 32 teams, AFC/NFC split, headquarters in New York City, highest professional level of American football
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/National-Football-League
    Supports: Founded in 1920 in Canton, Ohio as the American Professional Football Association; current name adopted in 1922
  3. Sportico — https://www.sportico.com/t/nfl/
    Supports: 32 teams, merger with AFL, Super Bowl, season structure, commissioner
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/national-football-league-nfl
    Supports: 32 teams, AFC/NFC structure, 17-game regular season, Super Bowl as championship