New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants new franchise based in London - NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) each year plays one of its games in London’s Wembley Stadium and this year won’t be different as the New England Patriots will take on the St. Louis Rams in October.
Patriots’ owner, Robert Kraft, whose team took part in the international game last in 2009 is excited at the prospect of the Patriots playing a game in London this year and wants to see a permanent franchise based in Old England.
Currently on a promotional tour for the NFL ahead of his side’s big game in October, he told British broadcaster, Sky Sports, that he would continue to push for a new franchise based in London.
He said:
"I personally think we should have a franchise in London, and that is something I am going to push for."
He added further that there are a large number of fans of the NFL in England and with the support they have shown over the years he thinks that they deserve to have their very own NFL franchise.
"I think I said that the last time we were over here in 2009 and before this next decade is out, I hope we have a team here. I think that would be right for the NFL, and this fan base has proven they deserve it."
The NFL is trying hard in recent years to make the game popular internationally but their efforts gained little success.
NFL Europe which pitted franchises from across Europe failed to gain much traction and has since become defunct leaving only the annual game in London as the league’s only international presence.
Kraft said that the league’s popularity in America has reached its ceiling and international growth is the way forward for the NFL now.
"I think we're starting to tap out in the United States. So for us to grow the game, we have to expand globally. Having seen the kind of support we have received here in London, it is the intention of the NFL owners to get two games here, starting next year."
It will require some long head scratching by the NFL and its owners to think up the technicalities of placing a team across the pond and London will not be getting a new franchise anytime soon.
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