NFL Expansion: NFL Must Bring NFL Franchise to L.A. Before Going Across the Pond

LA, Las Vegas, Honolulu and Richmond.

No this is not a list of popular vacation spots. This is a short list of cities where a NFL expansion franchise could be successful. So, it pains me to see Roger Goodell making references to a NFL franchise coming to London, England in the near future before these American cities have had their first or another opportunity.

It is true, all of these cities come with their own pros and cons. But then again, doesn't London have it's positives and negatives. The travel and jetlag issues the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently experiencing will now be a constant issue.

Also, would players want to permanently relocate out of the country? Some players do chose to live in the city they play in during the season. This really could take away some of the comfortability for the players and coaches.

There is an obvious interest in London for American football as a once-a-year novelty, but would this be sustained for a long period of time. I'm sure the NFL has done research to determine the probability of lasting success and they feel confident it would be a wise choice.

It seems globalization is the aim for nearly every major sport. But understanding your core market and catering to them is the best way to run your business. Roger Goodell and the powers that be are enamored with being trailblazers and that is understandable.

Right now, the NFL is enjoying a nice bit of public approval and appreciation, as they were able to solve their labor dispute without losing regular season games, unlike the NBA. I contend that an announcement that the NFL is returning to Los Angeles would make a much bigger impact on the core audience than a team starting in London.

It would be very interesting to me to see a wide-spread poll that asks fans, players and coaches, "where would you rather see the next NFL expansion team, London or Los Angeles?" These groups, along with the owners, should collectively make up the prime stakeholders in this decision.

I'm not saying I'm against expansion ever reaching outside of the US. I'm saying, let's feed the kids in this house before we start to offer to cook more for those abroad that may or may not be hungry.