NFL to deliver UK-based franchise within six years as sport's fan base grows

The NFL are 'on track' to deliver a permanent UK-based American football franchise within the next six years, spokesman Mark Waller has insisted.


Since 2007, London's Wembley Stadium has been home to the National Football League's International Series by hosting regular-season matches.

Jacksonville Jaguars ‒ who are owned by Shahid Khan, the Fulham owner ‒  have played a game a season there since 2013 and now a permanent move for an NFL team appears to be likely.

According to Waller ‒ the NFL's executive vice-chairman international ‒ the fan base in Britain means a UK-based franchise is a possibility by 2022, the BBC reported.

'The fan base is big enough and passionate enough that it can support a franchise,' said Waller.

'I felt in 2007 it was always a 15-year journey. I think we're on track to deliver that. I fundamentally believe we will deliver that.

'We are in a unique position as a sport because of the way our season is structured - we only play one game a week. It's not something other American sports could do.'

Wembley has hosted 14 NFL matches including the inaugural clash between New York Giants and Miami Dolphins in October 2007.