Would Contraction Be Good for the NFL?

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in North America, but the idea of contraction has been a topic of debate. While the league would certainly consider relocating a team to a new market like London, the possibility of contracting a team instead faces numerous challenges and complexities. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why contraction may not be the best option for the NFL, and why relocating a team to London could be a more viable solution.

Why Jacksonville Might See Their Future in London

The NFL will likely relocate a team to London rather than contracting an existing one. Jacksonville Jaguars, in particular, are a strong candidate for contraction, but their owner, Shahid Khan, does not seem inclined to contract the team. Instead, he is exploring a move to London, UK. Khan owns another second-tier English football team, showing his strong connection to the London market.

Since 2013, the Jacksonville Jaguars have hosted games in London five times. They have a commitment to hold at least one game in London over the next few years. These London games have consistently drawn over 80,000 fans, with approximately 42,000 considered season ticket holders for the annual four-game "International Series."

Opening a New Market with London

The London market represents a huge untapped opportunity for the NFL. Relocating a team to London could open a complete new market for the league. This opens up attractive broadcasting rights and related commercial relationships that would be entirely new to the NFL.

The wide appeal of the NFL in London has already been demonstrated, with the London games consistently drawing large crowds. This could pave the way for a permanent London-based NFL team, which would be a significant boost to the league's global presence and revenue streams.

Challenges in Relocating a Team

While the idea of a London-based NFL team is appealing, there are significant logistical challenges to overcome. One critical factor is the buyout cost. With 31 owners and an average-valued franchise of approximately $2 billion, each owner would need to pony up at least $65 million to buy out the club. For an owner such as the Denver Broncos, the question arises: what benefit would I gain by paying $65 million to buy a club that could move to London, opening up new revenue streams, but also involving additional costs?

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the NFL has shown a willingness to expand its global presence by relocating teams to new markets, the concept of contraction is less viable. The Jacksonville Jaguars, with their strong connection to London and a proven track record in hosting successful international games, present a compelling case for a London-based NFL team. The unique opportunity to tap into a new market, acquire new broadcasting and commercial relationships, and increase global audience engagement makes relocating to London a more attractive proposition than contraction.

For those interested in further reading on NFL valuations, this article on Sports Money: 2017 NFL Valuations provides detailed insights into the league's financial landscape.