Why Does The NFL Play In London?
In the 2023 season the NFL scheduled five international games. Three were played in London and two in Germany. Many NFL fans wonder why does the NFL play in London. And now Germany has been added to the mix. And games have been played in Mexico in previous seasons. But London has been on the schedule since 2007 and has become firmly entrenched.
According to the NFL playing in London and other international locations is to help them grow their brand and expand their global reach. It’s apparently working because 88 foreign-born players recorded a snap during the 2023 season. In fact, the NFL Heritage Program was created to celebrate the players, coaches, nationalities, and cultures that make up the League.
From the beginning the NFL set out to have a permanent presence in London. Which meant having a team based in London. Pakistani businessman, Shahid Khan is owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham F.C. of the Premier League. As such he could consider moving the Jaguars to London since he has a base there already. As recently as September 2023 there were rumblings of moving the team.
According to Sportstalk.com:
Jaguars team president Mark Lamping gave the clearest indication to date that Khan’s franchise will leave Jacksonville. And likely jump across the pond to the United Kingdom. If necessary public funding isn’t delivered for major renovations to EverBank Stadium.
Of course the NFL would have to approve the move but it can’t be ruled out as a possibility. Such a move would help expand the NFL’s global influence. However, American fans wouldn’t likely be pleased with that outcome. Especially the fans in Jacksonville.
Why Does The NFL Play In London?
But besides brand building, in my opinion, the NFL is looking to generate more revenue. If you can add more fans from various countries then that’s more money to be made. You’ll have more people buying merchandise, seeing ads during broadcasts, and attending games in person.
And now with streaming games on the rise that will give even more people opportunities to engage with the NFL. So brand awareness and revenue generation are just two reasons for games being played in London and elsewhere. No doubt more international games will be added to the NFL schedule. This trend is one we’ll all have to get used to because it’s not going anywhere.
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