Both Essendon and GWS are in discussion to hold a match played for premiership points in California as early as round one next year.
Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell revealed at a club business luncheon on Wednesday that both clubs have been in talks to move the project forward and were ready to sign off on documents for the go-ahead.
Los Angeles and San Francisco have been the two major cities for the location of the match that will be hosted by Greater Western Sydney.
The choice of venue will rely on the International Cricket Council's wish to play T20 World Cup Cricket in the States, as there are currently no venues that could host an AFL-sized spectacle.
Both clubs involved are believed to want the match to be a season opener, allowing an easier transition between travel and matches.
The project remains a possibility for next season but is more likely to be held in 2022.
The idea of playing for Premiership points has been a public dream of AFL legend Kevin Sheedy, who coached both Essendon and the Giants across 678 matches.
California has the fifth largest economy in the world and is close proximity to Australia, making it a feasible and welcoming state for a potential AFL birth.
