Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua expressed frustration with the turnout of Rams fans during home games at SoFi Stadium, ahead of a 2026-27 NFL regular-season game he will participate in outside the United States. The comments came during an appearance on San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner’s podcast, highlighting issues with home support in Los Angeles.
On Saturday, reporter Dov Kleiman shared a clip from the Real Ones: The League show featuring Nacua and Warner, where they discussed the upcoming international game. Warner mentioned that the 2026 matchup in Australia might feel like a home game for Nacua because of his personal connections to the country. Nacua responded by indirectly criticizing the crowds at SoFi Stadium for their lack of attendance.
And guess what? It’s your home game too. So now, you don’t get a home game. All right. We still get our home game,
Warner noted. Nacua replied,
Love it. I’m like, honestly at SoFi, there’s not too many home games.
Warner countered,
I was just about to say now that’s honestly a blow to us. Be real for real.
Challenges of Building a Loyal Fan Base in Los Angeles
The low fan turnout at SoFi Stadium is partly attributed to the city‘s unique sports landscape. After relocating from St. Louis in 2016, the Rams have struggled to establish a dedicated fan base in Los Angeles. Additionally, sharing SoFi Stadium with the Los Angeles Chargers contributes to divided allegiances among local NFL supporters, which frustrates players like Nacua.
Coach Sean McVay’s Rams squad, including Nacua, is set to face off against Fred Warner and the San Francisco 49ers at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. This international game underscores the league’s efforts to expand its global reach while highlighting the mixed reception at home.
Nacua and Warner Discuss the Upcoming International Matchup
During their conversation on Real Ones: The League, Nacua and Warner also joked about what they might do while in Australia, joking about the proximity of their locations and the long travel involved for the game. Nacua questioned the reason behind their late-night outings, which Warner addressed by explaining the global nature of the NFL’s expansion.
I’m like, yo, we’re an hour away from each other. Why are we, why are we okay? Why are we going out? Why we trying to get set?,
said Nacua. Warner responded,
’Cause we trying to make worldwide moves, brother. That’s why they want us on that, on that jet going 20 hours to down under. Rocky.
Nacua added,
I love kangaroos too, dude. I’m like, but man, I want to see ’em when I play somebody on across the country.
Significance of the Commentary and International Games for the NFL
Puka Nacua’s remarks bring attention to the ongoing struggles of the Los Angeles Rams to galvanize their fan base in a city that hosts two NFL teams sharing the same venue. Empty seats at SoFi Stadium emphasize the challenge of fostering strong local support, which could affect the team’s morale and home-field advantage. The international game in Melbourne represents both an opportunity for players like Nacua and Warner to engage with new audiences and a reflection of the NFL’s efforts to globalize its brand.
As the league plans more games abroad, the contrast between the large venues and sometimes sparse crowds at home stadiums raises questions about the future of fan engagement, especially in markets like Los Angeles. For the Rams, improving the connection with their city’s fans could prove crucial in strengthening the team’s identity and support moving forward.
Yikes: Puka Nacua ROASTS Rams fans for never showing up for home games at SoFi Stadium…
Fred: “You’re a home game so now you don’t get a home game. We still get our home game.”
Puka: “Honestly, at SoFi, there aren’t too many home games.”
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/qboXWIHPpy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 8, 2026
Yikes: Puka Nacua ROASTS Rams fans for never showing up for home games at SoFi Stadium…
Fred: “You’re a home game so now you don’t get a home game. We still get our home game.”
Puka: “Honestly, at SoFi, there aren’t too many home games.”
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/qboXWIHPpy
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 8, 2026
