IFL - International Football League?

[Foggy]

Would you be in favor of an "International Football League?" The IFL

[TJ]

The NFL has already tried it four times. It wasn't very popular in America and profitable enough for them to continue.

World League of American Football (1991)
World League (1992, 1995–97)
NFL Europa (2007)

I think they will just stick to the international games for now. I don't see them adding expansion franchises to other countries or starting a new international league.

AI Overview:

In 2026, the NFL will host a record nine international regular-season games across several countries, including London (three games), Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Munich, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, expanding its global footprint. This initiative marks the largest international lineup in NFL history.

Key details regarding 2026 international football (NFL) games:

Total Games: Nine international regular-season games are scheduled.

Locations: Games will be played in London, UK (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium), Madrid, Spain (Bernabéu Stadium), Munich, Germany (FC Bayern Munich Arena), Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio Banorte), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Maracanã Stadium), Paris, France (Stade de France), and Melbourne, Australia (Melbourne Cricket Ground).

Key Highlights: The 2026 season includes the first-ever regular-season games in Rio de Janeiro and Paris.

[Foggy]

"Goodell also announced the NFL will play nine international games next year, including games in Paris, Mexico City, and Australia."

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/...f3bd5095c5007f



This is why I thought maybe it is time to start the IFL

[TJ]

It's sad small market teams like Jacksonville get multiple home games taken away from their local fans. If they eventually expand to 16 international games every year, then maybe each team would only lose a maximum of one home game per season. It's why they expanded to 17 games over an 18 week season.

The international games are big money makers for the NFL. People will watch a game or two in these countries, but not 8-9 home games per season.

AI Overview:

NFL international games generate roughly USD $55 million in value per game through media rights and sponsorship, with high-demand matchups in London, like those for the Jaguars, bringing in an additional $35-$50 million in local revenue. These games, including those in Germany, create over 70 million euros in economic impact for host cities, with 16 annual games projected to generate $880 million.

Key Revenue Drivers for NFL International Games:

Media Rights: The NFL is building a dedicated international media rights package that could add over $1 billion annually, with individual games valued at $55 million.

Local Economic Impact: Games in Germany (Munich) generated over 70 million euros, with similar, massive economic impacts seen in London.
Team Revenue: Teams like the Jaguars retain full control over ticket sales, food, beverages, and merchandise in London, generating $35-$50 million per game.

Long-Term Growth: While immediate profits are sometimes low, the games act as investment to build international fanbases for future revenue, with the league projecting 16 international games annually.

[opus]

Occasionally in Jets fandom there are rumblings of Woody and the NFL moving the team to London.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by opus

Occasionally in Jets fandom there are rumblings of Woody and the NFL moving the team to London.

All the more reason to start a IFL.

[opus]

Originally Posted by Foggy

All the more reason to start a IFL.

Meh. IFL sounds like an intestinal disease.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by opus

Meh. IFL sounds like an intestinal disease.

So does having the NFL going International for playing some of their games.

[TJ]

Originally Posted by opus

Occasionally in Jets fandom there are rumblings of Woody and the NFL moving the team to London.

Woody Johnson selling the Jets would be a good first step in turning the franchise around. It seems unlikely the NFL would ever want less than two teams in the New York City market.

If any team moves to London, it will be Jacksonville. They have already played 13 games in London. The Jaguars are London's unofficial team.

Will the Jaguars franchise move to London? Explaining Jacksonville's stadium plans