Are the Jaguars Moving to London?

By Anna Duncan

Rumors have been circulating for years that the Jacksonville Jaguars, an NFL team based in Florida, may be moving to London. While there have been no official announcements or confirmations from the team or the league, the possibility of a move has sparked heated debate among fans and analysts.

The History of NFL Games in London

The NFL has been playing games in London since 2007. These games are part of the league’s international series, which aims to expand the NFL’s fan base outside of the United States. The popularity of these games has grown steadily over the years, with sell-out crowds packing Wembley Stadium and other venues.

In recent years, there has been talk of adding a permanent NFL team in London. In 2015, then-NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said that having a franchise in London was “a realistic possibility.” Since then, various teams have been mentioned as possible candidates for a move across the pond, including the Jaguars.

Why the Jaguars?

There are several reasons that the Jaguars have been singled out as a potential candidate for relocation to London. One is their owner, Shahid Khan.

Khan is also the owner of Fulham FC, a soccer team that plays in England’s Premier League. He is familiar with the British sports market and could potentially see an opportunity to expand his brand overseas.

Another reason is that the Jaguars have struggled on and off the field in recent years. Despite reaching the AFC Championship Game in 2017, they finished last in their division in both 2018 and 2019. Some analysts believe that moving to London could give them a fresh start and attract more fans.

Challenges of Moving to London

While a move to London may seem enticing for some teams, it would come with its fair share of challenges. One major issue is travel time. The distance between London and most NFL cities is significant, and teams would have to deal with jet lag and other effects of long-distance travel.

Another challenge is the logistics of having a team based in a different country. There are questions about where the team would practice, where their home games would be played, and how they would be affected by different tax laws and regulations.

Conclusion

At this point, it is still purely speculation whether or not the Jaguars will move to London. There are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, but until an official announcement is made, it remains unclear what the future holds for this NFL franchise. However, one thing is certain: if the Jaguars do end up making the move across the pond, it will be a major moment in NFL history.