The Jacksonville Jaguars will return annually to Wembley Stadium in London until 2024.
Posted at 11:42
The club received formal approval from NFL owners on Monday to move forward with a three-year deal to play a local fixture at Wembley, giving the small-market franchise exclusive play. one of the most legendary stadiums in the United Kingdom.
The Jaguars will have full control of the game for the first time, which should mean a big boost in revenue, even though the game is 6437km from their home. The Jaguars will be responsible for ticketing, merchandise sales and game operations.
Jacksonville played a “local” tie at Wembley from 2013-2019 and would have played there in 2020 had COVID-19 not disrupted plans. The Jaguars returned to London last year, playing one of two NFL games at the home of football club Tottenham.
The round trip is crucial for the finances of the Jaguars, who estimate that 11% of their local income comes from this annual meeting.
The Jaguars’ television, sponsorship and stadium revenues are smaller than those in other NFL markets. Revenue from these games in London helps to partially reduce these disparities is a key part of the team’s long-term planning.
The Jaguars now have an official supporters group in the UK, the Union Jax, as well as having invested heavily in community programs and charities.