The NFL is preparing to play five games in London next season, according to a ESPN.
The London Daily Mail reported the news Sunday as the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons faced off in Wembley Stadium in the second of three NFL games this season.
It is expected that the NFL will make the announcement official soon, according to the report. The NFL has long been concerned with growing its brand on an international level and expanding beyond American borders.
Last month, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Oakland Raiders 38-14 in London. Next month, the Dallas Cowboys will play the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley, ESPN reports.
Despite some protests from players about the overseas trip, there is no denying the popularity of these international showings. Each London game this season sold out.
British treasury chief George Osborne told the Evening Standard newspaper last week that the British Government would like an NFL team based in London and is prepared to do whatever it takes "to make this happen." The Jacksonville Jaguars and St. Louis Rams have been rumored to be favorites to make such a move, along with relocations to Los Angeles as well, ESPN reports.
This will mark the eighth year the NFL is playing a regular-season game at Wembley Stadium. Despite the success, the majority of these games have ended in blowout victories, causing some to question the effect of transatlantic travel on the players. The NFL will have to take a considerable look into this matter before deciding to move a franchise to London full-time.
