European Expansion Hot Topic For NFL, NBA
London, United Kingdom (AHN) – With the NFL’s fourth annual game at Wembley Stadium Sunday, commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the possibility of a London franchise joining the league.
“Each year, the different barometers indicate that our popularity continues to rise,” Goodell told reporters during a Saturday press conference. “I think the next step will be multiple games (in Europe). And if that’s successful then I think the idea of a franchise here is realistic.”
Goodell said two games will eventually be played across the pond, but economic instability kept it to one this season. Though Wembley eventually sold out for this year’s matchup between struggling teams the San Francisco 49ers (1-6) and Denver Broncos (2-5), tickets did not move very quickly.
While Goodell hopes for one team in the near future, NBA Commissioner David Stern is a bit more ambitious. In Miami for the home debut of the newly-minted Heat, Stern suggested an entire European division could be possible within 10 years.
“It’s a wonderful topic, because 10 years ago, I said, ‘Oh, it’s inevitable, it’ll happen in 10 years. And now what I’m saying is, ‘It’s inevitable, it’ll happen in 10 years,’” Stern said at a business leaders’ luncheon the morning after Miami’s 96-70 thrashing of the Magic.
“But in terms of globalization, we’re going to see a desire for franchises in Europe – and in about 10 years, you’ll send me a postcard.”
Stern hopes to follow the NFL’s footsteps by bringing a game to London by 2012, but an actual franchise may be a bit too far-fetched.
Stern said in February the NBA expects to suffer a $400 million loss this season, and the possibility of league contraction could be on the table in upcoming contract talks.
Both leagues have collective bargaining agreements that end following the current season and have not been renewed.
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