London’s NFL Future: Stadium Conflicts and Expansion
The Jacksonville Jaguars may end their London games after a $1.4 billion stadium renovation in 2028, prioritizing a full home schedule. Commissioner Roger Goodell calls a London franchise possible but cites competitiveness and travel logistics as major hurdles for expansion.
The 2026 season features three regular-season games in London, with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing twice. This schedule sits within a record nine international games across seven countries. The Jaguars have played 15 games in the UK since 2013, splitting time between Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, team president Mark Lamping indicated that this annual tradition may end once the franchise completes its $1.4 billion stadium renovation in 2028. He described hosting a full home schedule in Jacksonville as "natural," signaling a shift away from overseas commitments. The Jaguars will play at Camping World Stadium in Orlando next season while construction proceeds, making extra international dates unlikely.
The Jaguars’ Financial Pivot
Lamping stated that the Jaguars do not have total control over scheduling because the league requires every team to surrender a home game for an overseas contest once every four years. Yet, the intent to bring all contests back to the renovated EverBank Stadium is clear. This decision follows the franchise’s long history of giving up home games to play abroad. The move aligns with the significant investment made to create a new facility. While the NFL has the final say on international scheduling, the Jaguars’ preference is now firmly domestic. The previous agreement allowed for up to three international home games in 2027, but Lamping called that scenario unlikely given the temporary venue arrangements. One London game next season remains the most probable outcome before the new stadium opens.
Expansion Hurdles and Logistics
Commissioner Roger Goodell has claimed London could support two franchises, though he emphasized that competitiveness is the primary challenge. He noted that travel logistics are clearly a challenge, but the bigger question is whether teams can remain competitive after crossing the Atlantic. The league has no plan to expand beyond 32 teams, meaning any London presence would require relocating an existing franchise rather than adding a new one. Mexico City poses a stronger logistical case due to its closer proximity and similar time zone, which reduces jetlag for visiting teams. A London team would need a training base in the US to cut down on travel costs and manage the significant time difference. The NFL has also explored a shared franchise model where a team plays four games in London and four in the US, but this was deemed unattractive because it splits the fanbase and weakens critical mass.
Goodell recently labeled a London franchise "possible" while acknowledging the need to learn from the International Series annually. The NFL Foundation UK celebrated five years of community work during London Games Week, supporting 19 organizations in 17 boroughs with a £1 million grant fund. This grassroots growth has added 2.8 million fans to the UK base since 2021, a 49% increase. Despite this surge in popularity, the average margin of victory in London games from 2012 to 2016 was 18.5 points, indicating a lack of competitive intensity that deters some owners. The league must balance commercial success with on-field performance to justify the logistical burden of transatlantic travel. Will the NFL prioritize a European division or stick to neutral-site games?
