Chargers Moving to London: Would They Have a More Enthusiastic Fan Base?

The idea of the San Diego Chargers moving to London, England, has been a topic of discussion among NFL fans and enthusiasts. However, would such a move result in a more enthusiastic fan base for the team? This article explores the feasibility and potential outcomes of such a scenario.

Reception in London

While American football has gained growing popularity in London, attendance has not been as consistent as in other parts of the country. The city has hosted several NFL games, including the NFL International Series, but these events are not attended on a week-to-week basis with the same enthusiasm as home games in California.

Example of San Diego Chargers' Current Fan Base: The Chargers have a significant following in San Diego, where many fans travel over 100 miles to attend games. This level of dedication suggests that a move to London would require a substantial shift in fan engagement and support. San Diego's proximity to home games could not be easily replicated in London, where the team would face the challenge of building a new fan base from scratch.

San Diego Connection

Interestingly, Alex Dean, the current owner of the Chargers, has strong ties to San Diego. Aside from relocating his entire family to San Diego, Dean's property business is still based there, and he is currently involved in building the new stadium in Los Angeles. Given Dean's vested interests in San Diego, it is highly unlikely that he would consider moving the team to London.

Dean's Enthusiasm: Dean has expressed his enthusiasm for the Chargers' move to Los Angeles. His commitment to the franchise is evident in his significant investment in the new stadium, SoFi Stadium. It seems that the current owner is deeply invested in LA and does not seem to have any intention of moving the team to a different location, such as London.

Rumors and Reality

Despite the idea's appeal, moving the Chargers to London is largely a rumor base with no actionable reality. Alex Dean has dismissed the notion outright, referring to the idea as "a lot of crap."

NFL's Experience in Europe: The NFL has previously tried to export its game to Europe, but the initiative has faced challenges. The league's attempt to establish a foothold in Europe has not been profitable, leading to a "slow unprofitable death". Similar issues may arise if the Chargers were to move to London, especially considering the relatively lower interest in American football compared to other NFL teams.

In conclusion, while the Chargers might attract an enthusiastic fan base in a hypothetical scenario, the practical challenges and existing NFL experiences in Europe suggest that such a move would face significant obstacles. Current owner Alex Dean's commitment to the Los Angeles area and the difficulties encountered by the NFL in Europe further reinforce this viewpoint.

Note: This article is based on current and publicly available information until the time of writing and the prospects for potential future moves may change.