NFL expands screwing of US fans & cities

[Gutless Drunk]

NFL Takes Another Step in International Growth; Three Games in London in 2014

"In response to growing fan support of football in the United Kingdom, the NFL will take another important step in its international development in 2014 when, for the first time, three regular-season games will be played in the UK, NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL announced today at the league’s fall meeting in Washington, DC.

The JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS, ATLANTA FALCONS, and OAKLAND RAIDERS each will play one home game in London next year at Wembley Stadium. The dates of the games and opponents for each club will be announced later this season.

“Our fans in the UK have continued to demonstrate that they love football and want more,” Goodell said. “Both of this year’s games in London sold out quickly. The fan enthusiasm for our sport continues to grow. By playing two games in the UK this year, we are creating more fans. We hope that with three games in London next year we will attract even more people to our game.”

The International Series of regular-season games has increased NFL fan interest in the UK, with a current fan base of more than 12 million, including 2.5 million avid fans, a 30 percent increase in avid fans in the past two years.
The Minnesota Vikings’ thrilling 34-27 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in London on September 29 drew a crowd of 83,518 to Wembley. The day before, more than 520,000 people attended a football festival on London’s famed Regent Street, enjoying football-themed games and attractions, including visits from Vikings’ and Steelers’ players and coaches.

http://nflcommunications.com/2013/10...ondon-in-2014/

[2KBack]

looks like they are setting Jacksonville up for a permanent move

[The1percentKid]

It's only a matter of time before they stick a team over there. Who cares how it affects a team traveling there or games taken away from fans of current teams over here. I think the fan bases of those 3 teams should protest this crap. Season tickets are already expensive and it's now only 7 games they get to go to?

Goodell is a ****ing idiot.

[ColoradoDarin]

looks like they are setting Jacksonville up for a permanent move

Jax signed up to have 1 game there the next 4 seasons already

[ColoradoDarin]

Why did they fold up NFL Europe then? Just restart that league. They can start it again with the London Jaguars though.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

I'm incredibly curious to see how a London team would be received by the locals. I assume there'd be great initial interest that would be maintained with good play. Sort of like if they put an EPL team in New York.

However, I do find it unnecessary to expand overseas because of the scheduling issues. I assume a London team would come with an extra bye week for the NFL schedule. Also, from a economic standpoint, would players want to play in London with the higher tax rates? I'm sure it would attract some adventurous players but my guess is the xenophobic ones would never go.

I'm just not sure its worth the hassle. And I assume the NFL is wrestling with the same problem as we speak.

[Pogo]

Hopefully it's the Broncos playing over here!

I can go to a Raiders "home" game without the worry of getting stabbed!!!!

[bfoflcommish]

NFL sending 3 games, then proceed to send Raiders and Jaguars...trolling!

[Pogo]

They are going to keep adding games as long as they are making a ****load of cash.

[Mogulseeker]

Hell... Start up another conference the NFC Europe... Or realign the divisions again. The talent pool has widened enough that you can add four teams - say London, Toronto a couple others - to a four-division league.

Or not.

[Garcia Bronco]

Hey whatever NFL...they'll still rather go to a FutBol game.

[Mogulseeker]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm excited for the expanding influence.

[SleepingTiger]

It's only a matter of time before they stick a team over there. Who cares how it affects a team traveling there or games taken away from fans of current teams over here. I think the fan bases of those 3 teams should protest this crap. Season tickets are already expensive and it's now only 7 games they get to go to?

Goodell is a ****ing idiot.

how is he an idiot? the guys is a genius. he represents the owners and its his job to make them money. If UK is hungry for a team and there is a huge fan base there, why not? If I was Goodell, i would push for 8 games or maybe even 16 games. Football is for everyone, not just Americans. This is for the best interest in the sport. I would love to see a American football world cup.

Games get taken away? U serious? Most fans can't afford to go see a game. For me to see the Broncos play Cowboys, it would of cost me easy $600 and i live in Dallas. I have no problem watching the Broncos from my TV. And for the season ticket holders, here is your chance to fly to UK and watch your fav team. Most season ticket holders can afford a trip to UK once a season. And have you seen the stands in the jacksonville? The jaguars need to move somewhere quick.

What? you're worried about traveling time? Soccers players have been doing this for ages. Messi flies to spain to play for barcelona in the spanish league, then he flies all around europe to play in the uefa cup. not only that, in the middle of the season he flies to where ever when he gets called up to the national team. during the offseason, he flies around the world every week to play in exhibitions.

[Tombstone RJ]

whatever... goodell is the only one who thinks a team in London is a good idea and he's the one sailing this boat. The logistics of a London team are gonna be the only thing holding this back. As other's have said, if NFL football is sooo popular how come NFL Europe folded? Is it because only people in England want to watch American football?

If Rog wants to expand out of the US he should start in Canada and Mexico IMHO.

[The1percentKid]

how is he an idiot? the guys is a genius. he represents the owners and its his job to make them money. If UK is hungry for a team and there is a huge fan base there, why not? If I was Goodell, i would push for 8 games or maybe even 16 games. Football is for everyone, not just Americans. This is for the best interest in the sport. I would love to see a American football world cup.

Games get taken away? U serious? Most fans can't afford to go see a game. For me to see the Broncos play Cowboys, it would of cost me easy $600 and i live in Dallas. I have no problem watching the Broncos from my TV. And for the season ticket holders, here is your chance to fly to UK and watch your fav team. Most season ticket holders can afford a trip to UK once a season. And have you seen the stands in the jacksonville? The jaguars need to move somewhere quick.

What? you're worried about traveling time? Soccers players have been doing this for ages. Messi flies to spain to play for barcelona in the spanish league, then he flies all around europe to play in the uefa cup. not only that, in the middle of the season he flies to where ever when he gets called up to the national team. during the offseason, he flies around the world every week to play in exhibitions.

A lot of people go to 8 games. And they say that's not enough. If I had season tickets I want to see 8 games. Teams have said the traveling times affect them. Please do not compare American football with soccer. You think a team over there would attract free agents? No. You think a team would keep a free agent after drafting? No. The Toronto raptor effect. I'm not even going to attack your generalization that all season ticket holders are rich and can afford yearly Europe trips. Flat out ridiculous. 0-5 will empty seats sure. But last 4 years jags attendance has risen every year. Their revenue around 260M is better than SF and quite a few other teams. You put a team there and it will struggle to be competitive unless they have the best draft years. A player will want to live in the states.