The Jacksonville Jaguars, an American football team based in Florida, have made a tradition of playing at least one home game in London every year since 2013. While this may seem surprising to some fans, there are several reasons why the Jaguars have chosen to play in London.
Market Expansion
One of the primary reasons why the Jaguars always play in London is to expand their market. The NFL has been trying to grow its international presence for years, and playing games in London has been a successful way of doing so. By playing games overseas, teams like the Jaguars can reach new fans and potentially increase revenue.
Ownership Connection
Another reason why the Jaguars always play in London is due to their owner’s connection with the city. Shad Khan, the current owner of the team, also owns Fulham FC, a soccer team that plays in London. Khan has expressed his desire to build a fan base for both teams on both sides of the Atlantic and sees playing games in London as a way of achieving that goal.
Revenue Boost
Playing games overseas can also provide an additional revenue boost for teams like the Jaguars. The NFL pays teams that play overseas extra money for travel expenses and other costs associated with playing abroad. Additionally, playing in front of international audiences can lead to increased merchandise sales and sponsorship opportunities.
Fan Experience
Finally, playing games in London can provide a unique fan experience for both British fans and those who travel from America to watch the game. Wembley Stadium, where most NFL games are played in London, is an iconic venue with a rich history. Watching American football played on such hallowed ground can be a thrilling experience for fans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why the Jacksonville Jaguars always play in London. From expanding their market to increasing revenue to providing a unique fan experience, playing games overseas has proven to be a successful strategy for the team. While some fans may prefer the team to play all their home games in Jacksonville, the benefits of playing in London are hard to ignore.