Expansion cities for a potential international NFL franchise
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The NFL is such a tremendous sport with a huge followership. Its centerpiece, the Super Bowl, is unarguably the most watched event in America’s television history. Fans are always on edge to watch their favorite teams who made it past their division round and their favorite celebrity superstars perform on the same night.
Based on this model, the NFL has grown to be the most valuable sports league in the world. The tide does not look to be changing soon. Instead, it’s delicately poised to undergo a structural adjustment with international franchise expansion. This will take it beyond national franchises that currently serve 23 US states and the 32 teams present in the league.
The international franchise of the NFL will extend to fans and audiences outside of American soil. America football has long starved the international scene. So a permanent multi- border presence looks to be the step to go in the right direction.
Currently, with one or two division games being held from time to time in different countries, things seem to be taking shape. But there’s more to be done in terms of international expansion. Here are the three (3) most suitable teams ready for a potential international franchise.
1. London, UK
If there’s one city that should be home to an international franchise, it should be London. Why London? It is one of the places where football is not only huge as a game but also as a lifestyle. It’s estimated that about 19 million people follow football in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom, a vibrant sports center, has London as its capital that boasts of several world-class sports facilities that can support an NFL team. To show its readiness, it has successfully hosted an international game series since 2007, with the most recent one at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
2. Toronto, Canada
Canada is a country with its independent football league known as the Canadian Footbal League (CFL). Also, Toronto, one of its biggest cities, is home to different sports teams. Notably is the Toronto Raptors, an NBA team in the Eastern Conference. For the Raptors to thrive, since 1995, shows it won’t be hard to get fans behind an NFL team.
It’s estimated that there are about 7 million NFL fans in Canada, and the Buffalo Bills is quite popular up there. Toronto has hosted up to six regular games for the Bills in a season. So no doubt, it would be easy to set up for the NFL.
3. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico has an estimated 22 million NFL fans, which is more than anywhere in the world. Mexico City itself has been home to international football series. It’d be a great disservice to the sport if Mexico City is not home to an NFL team in the eventuality of an international franchise.
EXTRA: China
These three (3) cities put together can make up a favorite choice for an established international franchise team for fans. Aside from the fans in these cities, bookies would also anticipate the idea with good sport odds.
As an extra, China is a country the NFL can also look at for a possible international franchise. Not only is it a new market for NFL, but it also has a high population and is a stronghold country in Asia.
The only disadvantage that excludes it out of the selected three (3) is the time zone difference.
Conclusion
The expansion of franchises to the international scene will not only enrich the purse of the NFL but also bring the game closer to the people. After all, what’s a game without the fans? However, to ensure sustainability, due process must be followed. This way, not just any Tom or Harry gain the rights to own a franchise without proper contingency plans.
