NFL plans permanent UK by 2022

Omnisports 03:07 - 20 January 2016

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An NFL franchise could arrive in the United Kingdom by 2022, says a league spokesman.

NFL spokesman Mark Waller says the United Kingdom is "on track" to have a franchise by 2022.

Waller told BBC Sport that plans are in place to deliver a locally based football franchise within six years to the UK, marking the first time the league has committed to a franchise permanently based in Britain.

London's Wembley Stadium has hosted regular-season NFL games since 2007, with the Jacksonville Jaguars playing one home game a season there since 2013.

"We are in a unique position as a sport because of the way our season is structured - we only play one game a week," Waller, the NFL's executive vice chairman, said.

"It's not something other American sports could do. The fan base is big enough and passionate enough that it can support a franchise.

"This season, the NFL played three regular-season games at Wembley, bringing crowds of more than 80,000."

Later this year, two regular-season games will be played at Wembley, while Twickenham - home of England rugby union - will host a match for the first time.