Are Jaguars Moving to London?

By Robert Palmer

There has been a lot of speculation and rumors lately about the possibility of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars moving to London. While nothing has been confirmed, there are a few factors that suggest this could be a real possibility.

The Rise of the International Series

For years, the NFL has been trying to expand its reach outside of North America. One way they have done this is through the International Series, which involves hosting regular-season games in London and other international cities. The popularity of these games has only increased over time, with sellout crowds showing up to support their favorite teams.

The Owner’s Ties to London

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan also happens to own Fulham FC, a soccer team in London. This connection has led some to speculate that he may be interested in moving his NFL team across the pond as well. In fact, Khan himself has hinted at this possibility in interviews.

The Challenges of Moving a Team Overseas

Of course, moving an entire NFL team from one continent to another is no easy feat. There are many logistical challenges involved, from finding suitable facilities and housing for players and staff to figuring out how to transport equipment and handle travel schedules.

Facilities

One major consideration is where the team would play their home games. While Wembley Stadium has hosted many NFL games in the past, it may not be a suitable long-term solution for a permanent franchise. Other options could include building a new stadium or sharing an existing one with another team.

Housing and Travel

Another challenge would be finding suitable housing for players and staff in London. This would likely involve renting or purchasing property on behalf of the team, which could be costly. Additionally, traveling back and forth between London and North America for away games could take a toll on players’ bodies and potentially impact their performance.

Conclusion

While nothing is set in stone yet, it’s clear that the possibility of the Jacksonville Jaguars moving to London is not just a baseless rumor. The rise of the International Series, the owner’s ties to London, and the challenges involved in such a move all suggest that it could be a real possibility in the near future.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • The NFL has been trying to expand its reach outside of North America with the International Series
    • Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan owns a soccer team in London and has hinted at moving his NFL team there as well
    • Moving an entire NFL team overseas would involve many logistical challenges, from finding suitable facilities to handling travel schedules