With the revival of the annual International Series, many are questioning the possibility of a future UK-based franchise due to the sport’s increasing popularity overseas since its inception in 2007.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has raised the idea of establishing a European division, suggesting that London could potentially host not just one but two franchises.
According to Goodell at a press conference in London this week, “There’s no question that London could support not just one franchise, I think two franchises. I really believe that. That’s part of what we’re doing, right? We’re trying to sort of see, could you have multiple locations in Europe where you could have an NFL franchise? Because it would be easier as a division.”
This news sparked immediate backlash from NFL fans who criticized the idea, urging the commissioner to consider placing teams in cities in the U.S. that could better support them.
The NFL has not introduced an expansion franchise since the Texans joined the league in 2002. If European franchises are added, having them in the same division would be the most logical choice from a logistical standpoint.
