- ABC News
- October 30, 2018
LONDON -- Whenever the NFL International Series rolls into town, the same question always arises: Is it a matter of when or if London will get a franchise? The question is as inevitable as the plethora of jerseys worn by gridiron aficionados at the matches, or the smell of barbecues and beers at the tailgates. But there is a growing feeling a potential franchise is nearer than ever to becoming reality. So what are the key hurdles that remain, and how would it all work? When could a franchise start in London? There is growing optimism within NFL circles that there could be a London-based franchise by 2022. NFL executive vice president Mark Waller told ESPN that was a "logical time frame from a business perspective" as the current collective bargaining agreement and media deals expire in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Waller pointed to how 29 of the 32 franchises have played in London since the International Series began in 2007, and they have seen for themselves "the passion,...