London Calling: The Globalization of the NFL

Although the NFL is the most popular sport in the U.S, it is not very popular amongst the world. Most international sports fans don't even really know the rules of football. Due to the popularity in the states, many believe they can expand its popularity globally and the NFL is making efforts to do so by having a game in London every year. This goal to increase global popularity is driven mainly by money. The NFL is a huge money making business and bringing the sport abroad would bring them even more profit. 

I believe the NFL has chosen London as the main international city for expansion because along with its size and amount of money, the city is similar to American Cities. There are also many Americans that live in London already. The main reason that NFL may not be successful at expanding its borders is if the European fans just don't find passion for the game. The most popular sport is soccer and football is a much different kind of sport which can be hard to adapt to as a sports fan. Other factors that may restrict expansion is the players and coaches union who may protest agains expansion. The players and coaches would not necessarily make more money so they may not want to have long travel days before games. Also the franchises that do go and play in London are sacrificing a home game which would generate more money for their specific franchises. The season ticket holders also would have sacrifice one home game to attend.