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New Orleans Saints International Edition: Playing London One Day

By Dean Mullen

LONDON - OCTOBER 26: Spectators walk towards the stadium ahead of the Bridgestone International Series NFL match between San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium on October 26, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
LONDON - OCTOBER 26: Spectators walk towards the stadium ahead of the Bridgestone International Series NFL match between San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints at Wembley Stadium on October 26, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints will once again play in London later this year against the Miami Dolphins. October 1st, the Black and Gold will travel overseas once again to visit the Brits. The last time was in 2008 when the Saints beat the San Diego Chargers 37-32. In addition, the next time could be a team based there.

This is not a dream anymore. Ultimately, this is gonna happen. The only question is when. It’s no coincidence that each year there is more games added to the International Series. Roger Goodell has his mind set on London possibly in 2021 or 2022. There are plenty of logistical issues to consider. However, everything will be resolved, and one day the Brits will get at least one team maybe two.

The NFL Executive Vice President International Mark Waller agrees:

"“It will grow over time to the point where we have one or more franchises in the UK and the potential for more elsewhere in Europe in the long term. It’s a logical progression.”"

Notice that Mr. Waller said more elsewhere. The future plans don’t just include London but others as well. Germany could be a real possibility as well. The interest there in Germany is growing rapidly too. In my opinion, there needs to either be either a relocation of a couple of teams, or one division of European teams that can make things a little bit more easier, as far as travel.

The NFL is going to expand one day no doubt. When the NFL looks at expanding into another region overseas, they’ll be looking at one thing. Money will be king. Accordingly, there are over 20 cities that have over one million people. Therefore, the expansion will come. The market is there and the fan base is already in place.

Now there are plenty of other hurdles to besides the travel challenge. Who Dat Dish will break down each one in a continued series on NFL expansion. Just think of the possibilities though. London vs. Germany, Dallas, vs. Paris, or New Orleans vs. Dublin. Anything is possible. Who Dat Nation would love to travel overseas to see their team play in another country.

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