NFL & Jaguars Extend Wembley Commitment
The National Football League (NFL) and Jacksonville Jaguars have extended an agreement to play regular season games annually at Wembley Stadium until 2020.
As part of a new deal the NFL has agreed to play at least two regular season games for the next five years through to 2020, in which the Jaguars will continue to be a part.
The Jaguars, who return to London this Sunday for the third time in as many seasons, had agreed to play one game in the UK capital until 2016, but this has now been extended and has an option for a further five years beyond 2020.
Since 2007, the NFL has staged regular-season games and agreed a separate ten-year deal to play two games a year at Barclays Premier League side Tottenham Hotpsur’s new stadium, due to open in 2018.
Mark Waller, NFL International executive vice president, said: “This new agreement extends a very successful, long-term relationship.
“These agreements reiterate the NFL’s commitment to the UK, with two stadium deals running concurrently. To be playing in Wembley, the national stadium, and at Tottenham, in what will be London’s newest stadium, is fantastic.
“We are very appreciative of the Jaguars extending their commitment to the UK market, which emphasizes the club’s and league’s strong ambition to continue to grow the fan base for NFL football beyond the borders of the United States.”
Jacksonville Jaguars owner, Shad Khan added: “Our London initiative has been every bit as rewarding as we anticipated, certainly due in large part to the league’s commitment to the UK and the world class experience that Wembley Stadium has provided.”
“Our interest in extending our agreement to play a home game each season in London is nothing new. So, we’re very happy to make it official.”
The first NFL game in London of the season between the New York Jets and Miami saw a sellout crowd of 83,986 on 4th October. The final NFL game at Wembley, will see Detroit take on Kansas City on 1st November.
