Report: London could have NFL expansion team by 'end of decade'

Published: September 24 2013 | 11:23

Last updated: September 24 2013 | 11:42

The managing directors of both Wembley Stadium and NFL UK believe that a London-based franchise could be part of the NFL by 2020.

The NFL could have a London expansion franchise team playing at Wembley Stadium by the end of the current decade.

According to The Telegraph on Tuesday, the length of time committed by Wembley debenture holders could be halved in the future, after failed efforts to have people renew their 10-year long contracts.

With 70% of corporate seats up for renewal in four years' time, Wembley managing director Roger Maslin may be forced to look at other means of income for the 90,000 capacity arena, with one of those potentially being more American Football.

"English football is our priority," Maslin is quoted as saying. "But, yes, I'm absolutely confident that if NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wanted to have franchise here in London then we could absolutely do it."

NFL UK managing director Alistair Kirkwood backed up Maslin's claims, saying: "I think the NFL should have aspirations to be global and having a London franchise would be a great step towards it, but it would have to be under certain conditions.

"It's possible that it could be done before the end of the decade."

Wembley would be required to host eight regular season fixtures of NFL if it were to happen, plus potential playoff matches.