NFL in the UK (1 Viewer)

[lebowski66]

With another NFL game at Wembley this Sunday (Bears vs Bucs), I wonder if the growing interest in England that the NFL claims will ever materialize into a new franchise overseas. If there was a new franchise or two outside of America, do you think it would lessen the impact the game has here? If Jacksonville and Tampa can't draw, do you want to see them in a foreign land, as long as they sell out? Do you care?

I think it's fine that NFL is trying to broaden their appeal- they've been trying this for decades. I just think a foriegn team wouldn't be a nice fit for the game as we know it.

 

[Tickle Monster]

I voted yes. But if there were a team outside the US, I think it still has to stay in North America.

 

[Statcruncher]

Voted no. Given the logistics of travel and jet lag I don't see how overseas teams and teams that have to travel overseas would be getting a fair shake. I haven't religiously watched all out of country NFL games, but my general impression is that they have been sloppy affairs, presumably because of travel/culture shock. Keep it in the US.

 

[BobbyLayne]

West coast teams often struggle on the east coast. The 49ers just broke a rather lengthy streak of WC teams winning three road games in the midwest/east, no?

Transcontinental travel just seems like an impossible disadvantage to overcome. Can't imagine this being a possibility in any team sport without radically altering the schedules.

 

[Smack Tripper]

Not feasible. AT BEST, you'd have to do an entire overseas conference, which I could see the NBA doing based on their interest and cost of running an NBA operation as opposed to an NFL one.

The only big benefit is the weekly nature of the NFL, but I just don't think the crowd is there in Europe.

 

[lebowski66]

Not feasible. AT BEST, you'd have to do an entire overseas conference, which I could see the NBA doing based on their interest and cost of running an NBA operation as opposed to an NFL one. The only big benefit is the weekly nature of the NFL, but I just don't think the crowd is there in Europe.

I agree- there's already 14(!) pro soccer teams in London alone, 5 in the Premier League. Obviously, there's other options besides London, but NFL would be a small niche at best in England I think. Also, as others have said, the travel would be a burden on teams going to and from.

 

[The Hank]

I'd rather have a team in NA.

Los Angeles (Jaguars or Vikings) and Toronto (Bills) would be changes I could see happening.

However, what I'd like to see (it will never happen) would be if Mexico City (Chargers) got a team. Huge population down there with interest in American football

 

[Wislak]

While I also think it's not feasible and it will not happen (just one team in the UK part of the regular NFL league), it would be interesting. Why not? For me it'd be just another interesting venue a team plays in. But again, I don't think it'll ever happen.

 

[rizzler]

Toronto Bills will be the only team to go outside of the 50 states. Or at least the first.

And even then, it's somewhat unlikely.

 

[renesauz]

I could see a team in Canada or Mexico City, but regular games in Europe simply presents too many logistical challenges and would create too many scheduling inequities.

ETA: Mexico City could and would EASILY support an NFL team. I voted yes because I think a Canadian or Mexican team would be fine....but if the real question is whether we should put a team in London...that answer is no. One game a year there is enough.

 

[Flying Elvis]

Don't really care. I think it's ultimately a logistical nightmare to be anywhere but North America. The division affected by the addition of a non-NA team would likely be at a major disadvantage, which would be even worse for the "London Fog" since they'd have 8 transcontinental flights per year.

I also think ther'e be a high level of risk for it, as there's plenty of other directions for a fan to look if the local team stinks. My totally un-researched opinion is that the Wembley games are filled with fans that just want to see an NFL game and travel in to do so. I'm not sure that necessarily translates into a home-team crowd buying season tickets and selling out all 8 home games.

 

[Wislak]

I could see a team in Canada or Mexico City, but regular games in Europe simply presents too many logistical challenges and would create too many scheduling inequities.ETA: Mexico City could and would EASILY support an NFL team. I voted yes because I think a Canadian or Mexican team would be fine....but if the real question is whether we should put a team in London...that answer is no. One game a year there is enough.

Ok....so should we even continue to have games in London??? Or should they only play games in Canada or Mexico?

 

[The Real Hipster Doofus]

I could easily see something happen where Toronto/Buffalo split the home games between them. Or the team just moving to Toronto altogether. Over an ocean, I don't see that one happening