NFL to play four games in London next season
The NFL will play four games in London next season in an expansion of the league's International Series, the NFL announced Friday.
The league has played three games in London each of the past three seasons. The NFL started its International Series in 2007.
"We continue to be incredibly excited by the passion and love for the NFL shown by our millions of UK fans,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “London is an amazing city. We have had tremendous support from our fans, from Mayor Khan and other government leaders and business partners, and we are looking forward to taking the next step in the UK by playing four games in London next season.”
Teams and venues for 2017 will be announced on Tuesday.
One of the teams confirmed to play in London is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have committed to play at least one game in London every season until 2020. It has been reported the Jaguars opponent in London next season will be the Baltimore Ravens.
"London staging a fourth NFL game is fantastic news – not only for the millions of sports fans who get to enjoy our iconic stadiums – but also because it confirms our status as the go-to choice for hosting the world’s biggest sporting events,” said London Mayor Sadiq Khan. "London is the international home of the NFL and staging the equivalent of what would be half an American football team’s home games in the city is a huge step towards my ambition of bringing a franchise to the capital.
The Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks are the only NFL franchises that have yet to play an International Series game.
– Scooby Axson
