NFL expansion? These 14 cities would most likely be on the radar
Austin, Texas
Ok, maybe San Antonio doesn’t get a shot at an NFL franchise—but what about 80 miles up the road, in Austin? The city that “keeps it weird” is a top 40 market, has certainly got the wealth required to operate a franchise, and is a football-loving city. Will Jerry Jones be happy about it? Probably not—that is, until he gets those photo opportunities with the team’s Honorary Ambassador, Matthew McConaughey. Odds: 4 out of 10.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City has proven that it can handle a pro team (NBA’s Thunder) and is a top 50 market. Even more appealing, the city provides a central location that would add an interesting fan base challenge to Dallas, Kansas City, and even New Orleans. Odds: 4 out of 10.
Toronto, Canada
Huge international city: Check. Familiarity with the game: Check. This seems like a no-brainer, especially since the city already hosts dozens of various sports teams. Odds: 5 out of 10.
London, England
Currently, London is the crown jewel of international expansion. The NFL plays three games there in 2024, with several already-existing stadiums available to choose from. The market can definitely support a team. The only problem is cross-country travel, especially since teams would have to cross The Pond. Odds: 8 out of 10.
Honolulu, Hawaii
If the NFL is going to to be traveling across any “pond,” why not make the destination a little…sunnier? Honolulu has proven that it can handle the NFL, with Aloha Stadium playing host to the Pro Bowl from 1980–2009, 2011–2014, and then in 2016. That would also alleviate the new stadium costs right of the get-go, which would make the investment and timeline seemingly easier. The population is larger than football towns like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Buffalo, too—but it’s also a smaller television market (bottom 60s) with possibly inconsistent local interest. Odds: 1 out of 10.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Although this might be a stretch, Salt Lake City city does have the NBA’s Jazz and the NHL expansion Utah Hockey Club (set for 2024-25) on its pro sports resume. The population is misleading, too: The metro area has a million-plus residents, and is a top 30 market. So an argument could be made that NFL Sundays would be an attraction. However, you could also argue that with Park City and all its wealth so close by, sports fans would rather spend dollars on skiing and hiking. Odds: 7 out 10.
Sacramento, California
While the hard feelings subside for the Bay Area’s Raiders fans, Sacramento could make for an exciting expansion choice. Lost in the shuffle of cities in California, Sacramento is a top 20 market, with a location that could bring in fans from the North, South, East, and (now) West. With a population nearing half a million, the state’s capital wouldn’t have too much trouble pitching the NFL on sustainability, using the NBA’s Kings as an example—which could just as easily be a curse. Odds: 2 out 10.
Mexico City, Mexico
This is the better international relocation option since it’s geographically closer (no having to cross oceans) and the NFL is already building a steady fan base in Mexico. Mexico City does pose numerous issues, however, from air pollution to player safety. A few years ago, the NFL put out warnings about eating beef in Mexico when teams played there because it could trigger a failed drug test. Odds: 9 out of 10.
Louisville, Kentucky
Connect the dots from Charlotte to Atlanta to Nashville to Kansas City to Indianapolis to Cincinnati: Louisville is the biggest market in the middle. The likes of Teddy Bridgewater and Lamar Jackson have put Louisville on the football-watching map, too. Like Orlando, however, this becoming a reality would be based on the owners’ willingness to share the market. Odds: 2 out of 10.
Old NFL cities – St. Louis, San Diego, Oakland
This likely won’t happen, but never say never — especially in the NFL’s case. San Diego may be the most likely to get back into the race, but yes, it would be a Hail Mary if any of these cities land a team. Ultimately, this will only happen if ownership decides they want to use their own money to build a stadium, or Jim Harbaugh makes a national pitch to bring “his” Chargers back home. Odds: 1 out of 10.
