London Calling: The Globalization of the NFL

The globalization of the NFL has been a major topic of debate for many years now.  In effort to gain international attention, the NFL is eager for expansion outside of the US for various reasons. While the NFL is a multibillion-dollar industry, the expansion factor hopes to boost revenue and acquire a more international fan base. The NFL is looking to expand into the London area, where the new Wembley Stadium resides. Although this stadium is easily accessible, there are other sporting events like rugby that the NFL would have to schedule around, which proves to already present conflict.

For many reasons, I strongly disagree with the aforementioned expansion of the NFL. The article London Calling by Bill Barnwell, speaks largely about the “NFL targeting London franchise” (Barnwell, p1) However, in this article, the word “unfair” struck my attention on numerous occasions.  From scheduling around other sporting events and even different times zones, the coordination of game times seems like just that alone would prove to be more troublesome then beneficial. Although London is easily accessible for in that distinct vicinity, the overall fan base will not sellout each game as the majority of fans can not afford to travel to London for each home game. Not only will the time change affect the away teams schedule, it will also play a factor in affecting players’ bodies. Many will argue that eventually the profit of the expansion will outweigh the obstacles of the process overall, but I beg to differ.

This globalization of the NFL has the potential to further business, revenue, franchise and marketing internationally, but the cons are much too unstable to further any possible thoughts of expansion.

Barnwell, B. London Calling