The NFL has long been attempting to expand its market beyond the United States. For the main reason that they have mostly created as big of a market that they could feasibly make in the United States. It is one of the most popular sports, and has long been a fan favorite. The past few seasons the have made efforts to introduce American Football to other parts of the world. They realize that it is very difficult for fans located in different countries to make it to see games or experience American Football. So the NFL has created an alternative, they are bringing the NFL overseas. This upcoming season will host 5 international games, 4 of which will be held in London. They are expanding the amount of games every year, and have received overwhelming support. So the question has to be asked, when will the NFL create a franchise in London? According to Mark Waller, NFL executive vice president, London could see its own franchise as early as 2022. According to Waller, the current collective bargaining agreement as well as the current media deals expire in 2020 and 2022. This would allow a new franchise to be created in terms of a business perspective. He also points out that almost all of the current NFL teams have now played a game in London. So most franchises have been exposed to the atmosphere, as well as the fans being exposed to the teams. In terms of the travel situation, the London franchise would likely play its games in groups. Several home games in a row, followed by several away games in a row would ease the organization of having to do so much traveling throughout the year. It seems that all signs point to an NFL franchise being located out of America sooner than later at this point. Could the NFL be working to become the only American Football league while reaching around the entire globe?
https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/close-london-nfl-franchise/story?id=58849499
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNR0hukKNdY
Group 4 