 The Bears during their game against Tampa Bay in London in 2011. (Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune / June 29, 2012) |
12:32 p.m. CDT, June 29, 2012
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has taken his team to England for regular-season games, and he'd gladly do it every season.
Kraft isn't just talking about the once-a-year featured game in London. He said Wednesday the NFL is ready for a franchise based across the pond.
"I personally think we should have a franchise in London and that is something I am going to push for," Kraft said, according to Sky Sports, at a speaking engagement in England. "I think I said that the last time we were over here in 2009 and before this next decade is out, I hope we have a team here. I think that would be right for the NFL and this fan base has proven they deserve it."
The NFL schedules one regular-season game each year in England and there are plans to expand to two games per season. Kraft believes the time is right to expand even further, but assured New Englanders it won't be the Patriots.
"I think we're starting to tap out in the United States," Kraft said. "If you look at the last Super Bowl we were in this past season, we had over 180 million people watching -- that's almost two thirds of America. So for us to grow the game, we have to expand globally. Having seen the kind of support we have received here in London, it is the intention of the NFL owners to get two games here, starting next year."
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