Robert Kraft Pushes For A London-Based NFL Team
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has once again voiced his desire to have an NFL based franchise located in London after the UK has proved to be welcoming in the International series that started in 2005, reports USA Today.
“I personally think we should have a franchise in London and that is something I am going to push for,” Kraft said to Sky Sports.
“I think I said that the last time we were over here in 2009 and before this next decade is out, I hope we have a team here. I think that would be right for the NFL and this fan base has proven they deserve it.”
Robert Kraft goes on to say,
“I think we’re starting to tap out in the United States. If you look at the last Super Bowl we were in this past season, we had over 180 million people watching — that’s almost two thirds of America. So for us to grow the game, we have to expand globally. Having seen the kind of support we have received here in London, it is the intention of the NFL owners to get two games here, starting next year.”
The Patriots owner’s desire to land a team across the pond seems like an interesting idea when looked at in terms of expansion, but critics at NFL.com are already pointing out that the logistics simply wouldn’t make sense when having to deal with a time difference of that magnitude.
The NFL has experienced success in their games at Wembley Stadium in the past but I’m just not sure how this attempt would play out for the league.
Do you agree with Robert Kraft and his idea to try and form a London-based NFL franchise in the near future?