London Calling: Globalization of the NFL

The NFL has many motivations behind the desire to expand its operations beyond the Unites States of America.  One of the obvious reasons is revenue.  By expanding world-wide, the NFL will increase in fans, which will increase the money received.  The NFL will also acquire rights to broadcast the games in more countries which will also increase the money received.  

London is the obvious choice for expansion for multiple reasons.  The first reason is the stadium.  Wembley stadium is well-fit for the NFL and will mostly be available at the times needed.  London and the Wembley stadium are also very easy to get to for travelers.  While these facts might be facilitating the expansion or make the expansion seem feasible, there are more facts that seem to be barriers to the success of the NFL in London.  According to the article, Europeans (not people from London) are willing to go to an American football event once a year.  This requires money, which as the article states, Europeans are willing to spend and make a trip out of it once a year, however, relying upon their willingness to travel eight times a year would not be smart.  The fans that do go to the game once a year are not necessarily into the teams or players playing.  For example, in the article, the author states that some of the European fans that attended the game in 2010 were fans of individual players that were retired, like Jerry Rice.  The probability of Europeans sustaining their dedication and interest in the sport once the franchise has moved to their neck of the woods is very low.  Having the NFL move over-seas would also take a toll on the players bodies as well as create a busier schedule for the fans in this already hectic world.  

I lived in New Zealand for six months and studied at an international school before coming to CU.  I met many Europeans (people from Germany, Denmark, and France).  While we were all very good friends, they would always joke about how horrible Americans were and how they wanted nothing to do with America (They like Canadians much better).  I don't think moving the NFL to London would be very feasible for this reason.  While it was a joke, they were still slightly serious.  I don't think an American sport like football would stick.
One possible dark side to this change could be a mass confusion.  Football is so much ingrained in US identity and something citizens of this country take great pride in.  Opening this sport up to the world could cause unneeded tension with other countries and take away a crucial part of culture that is specifically American.