Skip to content

Roger Goodell is confident of forming a London NFL franchise

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and vice president of International NFL Mark Waller spoke to Sky Sports about the continued development of NFL in the UK

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the International Series has succeeded, and wants a competitive franchise in London.

After three games in 2016, the NFL is looking at increasing the number of fixtures in Britain, as well as the possibility of a permanent franchise in the capital. 

"The biggest obstacle is whether we can do this on a competitive basis for the team located here (in London)," Goodell said. "That is something we have to have the utmost confidence in, because it's what our league is based on. 

"We want a team to play here and compete on the same level as you could if you were in the States. I'm getting more confident in that because we're looking at the challenges and we're finding solutions for them."

Fan Predictions: Graves v the Bills
Fan Predictions: Graves v the Bills

Week seven was an important win for SSN reporter Richard Graves, who now faces the Bills Backers.

Goodell talked about the initial reluctance from teams to play in London, but he believes there is now a growing interest in being part of the International Series.

"I've been surprised by the teams' reaction. There was some reluctance at first of taking a regular season game - what would be the impact on my team competitively - but we now have a situation where 23 of the teams will have played in London.

"We have more teams interested in playing in the International Series than we have available games. That's a great success story for us."

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was processed using digital filters) A general view of the goal post during the NFL International S
Image: Twickenham hosted it's first NFL game last weekend as part of the 2016 International Series

NFL Vice President of International Mark Waller also told Sky Sports News HQ that the possibility of a London franchise within 15 years was on track.

Also See:

"The fan growth and response has been extraordinary, as well as the political response, from the mayor and national government to help us.

"Ultimately it will be a decision for the (team) owners."

To see the interviews, click on the video above.

Around Sky