NFL Adding A Team In London?

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke freely today regarding the future of the NFL and the global possibilities it has.

Goodell was attending a panel discussion of the Global Sport Summit in London today when he addressed the potential that the NFL could expand globally. “All of that leads to a fan that’s more avid,” Goodell said, “and we’re seeing that here in this market and we hope to continue that growth.  We’ve said frequently that it possibly could lead to a franchise here in the UK.”

When asked about whether or not the league had considered playing multiple games in London this season Goodell said, “We felt we had to fix that priority before we engaged in multiple games here, but it is very much our intent to be playing multiple games here.” He also mentioned that the reason that the NFL will play only one game there this season had a lot to do with the current CBA situation.

Goodell mentioned that the league would look to add more games in the future which could ultimately lead to a team being located in London. I think the next step will be multiple games and if that’s successful then I think the idea of a franchise here is realistic,” Goodell said.  “As far as a timetable, I’ll just say one thing:  I’m not as concerned about doing it with any sort of a time frame other than as fast as is practical, but you want to be successful.  That’s more important to me than making it fit within any sort of time frame.”

It seems that Goodell is as serious about this subject as he is about expanding the NFL season to 18 games. He made it clear that it’s “very possible” that the NFL will have team in London by the end of his tenure as NFL commissioner.